MLB trade rumors: Cubs finalizing deal for Tigers’ Justin Wilson, Alex Avila

The Detroit Tigers have received plenty of interest for their lefty reliever Justin Wilson, and the Cubs have emerged as the favorites to land him.

It’s been no secret that the Detroit Tigers have been sellers ahead of the July 31 deadline. Having already traded their star outfielder J.D. Martinez, the Tigers are expected to move a few more pieces before the clock expires on them.

Detroit’s next big move is expected to be trading away their current closer, Justin Wilson. Wilson has received plenty of interest from around the majors, and for good reason. On the season, the lefty boasts a 2.68 ERA, a minuscule 0.94 WHIP, and has struck out 55 batters in 40.1 innings pitched.

The fact that he also has another year of control left on his contract makes him all the more desirable. The Tigers seem increasingly close in agreeing to a trade for him, and it has reportedly been narrowed down to four clubs: the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros and Washington Nationals. However, the Cubs are the clear front-runners for Wilson, as they look to bolster their bullpen and potentially defend their World Series Title.

Next: 27 MLB Records That Will Never Be Broken

The Cubs and Tigers are reportedly close to finalizing a deal that is centered around highly touted prospect Jeimer Candelario. Candelario is currently the Cubs top prospect, per MLB.com. The Dodgers, Astros and Nationals certainly have top tier prospects that they can deal as well, so it will certainly be interesting to see if one of those clubs can come out on top in the Wilson sweepstakes over the Chicago.

Regardless of where Wilson ends up, he is expected to hold a prominent role out of any of these teams’ bullpens, even if he is not strictly relegated to closing duties anymore. The Tigers will surely net a huge return in exchange for him, as they continue to build toward their future.