Top 5 Detroit Tigers Trade Targets
By Dan Jenkins
@DanTJenkins
The Detroit Tigers aren't necessarily struggling, but they certainly aren't where fans would hope in the standings.
In late June, the Tigers sit 5.5 games behind the Kansas City Royals for first place in the American League Central Division. They are even third to the Minnesota Twins -- not really what the preseason goal was.
The Tigers' needs are pretty evident -- bullpen help and a major league third baseman. Not to knock on Nick Castellanos, but it doesn't look like he's quite ready to be an everyday starter in the Majors. A little more time in Triple-A could be good for his future.
Dave Dombrowski is almost always a big-time buyer at the trade deadline. Over the last few seasons, some of the names that he's brought in during the summer are David Price, Jose Iglesias, Anibal Sanchez, Omar Infante and Doug Fister.
Dombroski hasn't been afraid to trade away key players and prospects to improve his team, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that one of these big-name players could make their way to Detroit this summer.
Here's a look at some of the players who would help the Tigers the most this season.
5. Tyler Clippard, Oakland Athletics
One of the Tigers' most glaring needs is help in the bullpen. Granted, the relievers have been better this season, but there was nowhere to go but up from a historically bad bullpen. Tyler Clippard -- current closer for the Oakland Athletics -- could slide right into either the closer's role or setup role with the Tigers.
If the Tigers can't afford to trade for one of the other high-priced closers on this list, Clippard would be a great second option if they wanted to keep Joakim Soria at the back end. The A's are going to be sellers at the trade deadline and Clippard's on the last year of his contract, making $8.3 million this season.
4. Ben Zobrist, Oakland Athletics
Ben Zobrist is the league's ultimate utility player. He plays mainly in left field and at second base, but there would be no problem thinking that he could play third base for the Tigers. Also coming from the A's, Zobrist is on the last year of his contract, making $7.5 million this season.
Zobrist is a switch-hitter and would add much-needed production from the left side of the plate, while giving manager Brad Ausmus flexibility throughout the lineup. Having been hurt for about a month to have knee surgery, Zobrist's numbers are a little down (.242 average, 3 home runs, 21 RBIs), but there's no reason to think that he won't finish the season strong.
3. Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies
Having been the talk of trade rumors for a few seasons now, it's had to believe that Jonathan Papelbon is still in Philadelphia. The Phillies' closer is tough to move because of his giant contract ($13 million this season) and the team's asking price.
There's almost no doubt that Papelbon will finally be moved this summer, having been scouted by many teams over the past week. Even at age 34, Papelbon is having a great season, posting a 1.01 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 13 saves and 31 strikeouts in 26.2 innings pitched.
2. Todd Frazier, Cincinnati Reds
Tigers fans have gotten to know Todd Frazier pretty well over the past week. Frazier hit two home runs at Comerica Park on Tuesday, then two more on Wednesday at Great American Ballpark, including a walk-off grand slam against Joakim Soria in the 13th inning.
Frazier has been an All-Star-caliber third baseman this season with a .294 average, 22 home runs and 46 RBIs. Frazier has a team-friendly contract, but will likely be due to make a lot of money in the coming seasons. He would be a cornerstone-type player who would command a lot in return as far as trade value goes.
1. Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds
As far as closers go, it doesn't get much better than Aroldis Chapman. A fastball that has topped out at 105 mph and is consistently over 100 mph is something special. Chapman has been the model of consistency, posting 36 or more saves over that past three seasons. His strikeouts per nine innings last season was a staggering 17.7.
Chapman is arguably the best closer in the league and it seems that he is available on the trade market, having been scouted by teams over the last few weeks. But it's no doubt that the Reds will get a substantial package in return.
What do you think about this list? Is there anyone missing? Let us know in the poll below who the Tigers' top trade target should be...
