The Detroit Tigers are possibly in the midst of a fire sale. The Tigers are 39-49 and look like they will be on the outside of the playoffs once again. With the trade deadline looming, here are some of the potential players on the move.
Diamondbacks like JD Martinez
Jon Morosi of MLB Network tweeted that the Arizona Diamondbacks are inquiring about the Detroit Tigers outfielder. The Diamondbacks lost corner outfielder Yasmany Tomas to a groin injury and he is on the disabled list. Martinez has been playing well as of late by batting .298. Martinez is just 29 years old and is making $11.75 million this season.
Arizona likes the idea of Martinez playing in a lineup that already features Paul Goldschmidt, Jeremy Lamb, and David Peralta.
The talks have been reported to not be serious, but it's one of the first destinations for Martinez we have heard as of late. Martinez was once rumored to be pursued by the St. Louis Cardinals, but those rumors have cooled off. Regardless, the Diamondbacks are chasing the best team in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and will need to make an upgrade soon.
Cubs interested in Avila
The Cubs just pulled off a major trade by acquiring Jose Quintana for Eloy Jimenez, Dylan Cease, and two other prospects. However, the Cubs were once rumored to be interested in Avila. The catcher is batting .298 this season as the team's starting catcher.
The Cubs are looking for a backup catcher to Wilson Contreras. The Cubs waived Miguel Montero after he was a detriment to the team.
It would be an upgrade defensively for the Cubs. Avila has thrown out 36 percent of runners this season, so on the off days when Contreras isn't catching, Avila could keep base runners off the paths.
Avila might cost more than average because he is the team's starting catcher, where as to the Cubs he would be a backup.
Justin Verlander might be out on last day
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com tweeted that the Tigers are not actively shopping Verlander as of now, but could be talked into moving him. Verlander has an earned run average over five this season.
However, he finished second in the Cy Young ballot last season. The 34 years old is due $28 million each of the next two seasons.
The report says that the Astros, Yankees, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Dodgers, and Nationals could all make a move at Verlander. However, it says that the Astros, Yankees, and Dodgers are the most likely teams to make an offer. The Astros would have to work out a way for the team to take on some of the salary where as the Yankees and Dodgers have more money to handle the salary.
