Tiger Trade Rumors as Deadline Approaches

Baseball's official trade deadline is on Monday, July 31, 2017 at 4 p.m. EST.     So far, the only deal the Detroit Tigers have made is trading right fielder J.D. Martinez to the Diamondbacks for three infield prospects.

That deal may allow the Tigers to do some things that haven't come up before, such as trading shortstop Jose Iglesias. That's the latest rumor, and second baseman Ian Kinsler could go somewhere else too.  The Brewers, a game and a half behind the Cubs in the standings, are a team that has expressed an interest in Kinsler.

Tops on the list is lefty closer Justin Wilson.  At least a half- dozen teams are said to be very interested in getting Wilson, including the Houston Astros who are playing in Detroit this weekend.  The division rival Indians are also interested in Justin Wilson, who is under contract.   If the Tigers trade him to a division rival, they may end up having to face him in big games for the next year or more.

There’s an outside chance that the Dodgers might deal for Justin Verlander.  The Dodgers have downplayed their interest in Verlander, but with Clayton Kershaw out for a couple of months with back trouble, they will no doubt get somebody.

It’s also possible that Alex Avila could go to a new team needing a catcher or left-handed bat.

The Tigers were off Thursday, and are 10 games behind the first place Indians.   Detroit starts a three-game series with the Houston Astros tonight.  The Astros are easily the best team in the American League, 33 games above .500.  The Tigers are ten below .500.  Jordan Zimmerman goes against Houston ace Dallas Kuechel tonight. Kuechel is 9-0 but is making his first start in a while, due to a neck injury. He hasn’t pitched since June 2^nd.  Catch the action Friday night at 6:45pm on 95.3 WBCK.   Saturday’s game is at 6:45, and Sunday afternoon’s broadcast time is 12:45.  Next week the Tigers are at the Yankees, Orioles, and then Pirates.