Now they mention LHP reliever Justin Wilson as being connected with the Dodgers with demand for him given the Nationals and Astros' interest in him as well. He's cheap and also a power arm but Detroit expects teams to overpay for him. However, it's noted that he's better against right-handed batters than left-handed batters, which defeats the purpose of acquiring him as a southpaw reliever since our biggest need is a left-handed reliever who's effective against lefty batters.
Personally, I'd rather pursue Brad Hand as noted before. Also, I'm not really interested in giving up Verdugo for any of the Tigers' available players. Maybe I'd give up Calhoun for Verlander if Detroit eats more than half his contract, but that is unlikely. However, I am interested in packaging Verdugo and Calhoun in an offer to Pittsburgh if they're willing to send Gerrit Cole and Andrew McCutchen back in return. More would have to be added from our side including likely Puig, but those are the principle players I would involve in such a proposal.
Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press (7/8/17)
RHP Justin Verlander
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Where he fits in: A contending team with an upper-tier payroll. There are only a few suitors for Verlander: The Cubs’ interest is more smoke than fire, one person with knowledge of the situation said. They would prefer to land a younger, team-controlled starter. The Dodgers could use another starting pitcher, but many consider their biggest needs elsewhere. The Astros are an intriguing team and likely will at least check in on Verlander, but it would be out of their character to make such a move.
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RF J.D. Martinez
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Where he fits in: The Dodgers seem like an obvious fit: Adding Martinez would take their lineup to another level as a stabilizing presence in the middle of the order, joining young hitters like Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger. They have a deep farm system with players the Tigers have been linked to – like centerfielder Alex Verdugo – and are lined up for a deep playoff run. The two teams talked about Martinez's availability in the off-season, so familiarity is there. Thinking outside-the-box, the Brewers could upgrade in rightfield though a team source said they’re content at the moment.
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LHP Justin Wilson
Contract status: Signed through 2017 at $1.35 million pro-rated; third-year arbitration eligible in 2018.
Why he’s wanted: Bullpens become more important in October, making a shut-down late-innings left-handed reliever very valuable. Wilson has high-octane stuff and is stronger against righties than lefties. He checks off every box in the back-end of a bullpen.
What he’s worth: It wouldn’t surprise some if Wilson netted a bigger return than Martinez. He is at a position of greater demand, with team control for 2018 and now has experience closing games on his resume. He should get an upper-tier prospect and perhaps more in return. The trade deadline is traditionally a time when teams are willing to overpay for relief help.
Where he fits in: The Astros have long been linked to Wilson and came the closest to trading for him in the off-season, when the Tigers were shopping him around. Outfielder Derek Fisher was a player the Tigers asked for in exchange for Wilson at that time, a person with knowledge of the situation said. Houston has a deep farm system and with a top lefty like Wilson, it would better one of the best bullpens in the league. The Nationals are the most desperate for a lefty reliever, but they took a big bite out of their farm system in the off-season, though that won’t stop general manager Mike Rizzo from filling the need. They had a high-level scout following the Tigers for the past week. Along with the Nationals, both the Astros and Cubs had high-level scouts watching the Tigers last, and the Dodgers have been linked to Wilson, as well.
MLB Front Offices on What 5 Detroit Tigers May Fetch on Trade Market
