Southside Showdown
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7 potential trade destinations and returns for Craig Kimbrel

By Mitchell Kaminski

(Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Tigers 

Craig Kimbrel could end up getting traded to a team within the division.

Inter division trades aren’t likely but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. The Tigers have shown that they are trying to contend. They made a splash by adding Eduardo Rodrigez to a five-year, $77 million contract. They then added Javier Baez to a six-year deal worth $140 million. These moves indicate the Tigers are not afraid to spend money.

They have a fairly formidable roster. The rotation boasts talented arms such as Casey Mize and Spencer Turnbull. Behind the plate is Eric Haase who hit 22 home runs last season with a 104 OPS+.

Jeimer Candelario served as the Tigers everyday third baseman. He led the American League in doubles and led the Tigers in WAR. Akil Baddoo owned a 2.1 bWAR which was the highest by a Tigers rookie position player since Austin Jackson.

Robbie Grossman is one of his fellow outfielders. Grossman was a stud in 2021. He hit 23 home runs, stole 20 bases, and posted a 116 OPS+. Throw in a veteran in Miguel Cabera and the Tigers have all the pieces in place except a solid bullpen.

Their bullpen was pretty terrible last season. Buck Farmer had a 6.37 ERA. Bryan Garcia had a 7.55 ERA. The White Sox old friend Derek Holland had a 5.07 ERA. Daniel Norris owned a 5.89 mark. Matt Manning had a 5.80 ERA and Erasmo Ramirez had a 5.74 ERA. Overall it wasn’t pretty.

Gregory Soto was the team’s primary closer last season but he owned a 3.39 ERA. Pretty uninspiring ERA from someone responsible for getting the final three outs of the game. They could use a Craig Kimbrel.

Their farm system is stocked with talent including Spencer Torkelson, Riley Green, and Jackson Jobe. While those names probably won’t headline any trade package, the Tigers have assets to sell.

One possible trade could include Jonathan Schoop. He was a borderline All-Star who was on the White Sox radar at the trade deadline. Both teams would be wise to pick up the phone and at least inquire about a deal.

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