Getty
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch could soon be changing closers.
The Detroit Tigers are expected to be active this offseason. They can do so by either opening up the checkbook and signing free agents, or they could look to the trade market to find an impact player. Some of the organization’s biggest needs include a depth starter, an infield bat, and some back-end of the bullpen depth.
MLB’s winter meetings are set to get underway this week, and it’s expected that some of the biggest offseason moves will happen. The trade rumors continue to swirl, and one of the recent hot names on the market is Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ketel Marte.
More MLB on Heavy: Yankees Predicted to Poach Closer from Cross-Town Rival in $88 Million Deal
Detroit Tigers Among Teams That Have Checked in on Ketel Marte
The Detroit Tigers now join a group of teams in MLB that have checked in on Diamondbacks’ three-time All-Star Ketel Marte, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Detroit joins the Phillies, Blue Jays, Rays, and Red Sox as potential landing spots for Marte. Arizona’s GM Mike Hazen has indicated that it’s “unlikely” they will move him, but if a team like the Tigers offers a package that the Snakes can’t resist, it isn’t too far-fetched.
GettyKetel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks
There’s no doubt that if Arizona did trade Marte that they would ask for a haul in return. It would likely take three plus players to pull off a deal, and include MLB-ready players as well, and not just prospects. Marte is one of the best hitters in the sport and has really turned it up from a production standpoint over the last few seasons.
Marte has made the All-Star team in back-to-back seasons, finished top-3 in NL MVP voting last season, and has 89 home runs since the start of 2023. He’s posted an impressive OPS+ of 154 and 145 in the last two seasons.
More MLB on Heavy: Yankees-Brewers Trade Idea Sends 2-Time All-Star Starter to New York in Exchange for Will Warren
What Would Detroit Have to Give Up to Make a Deal Work?
Detroit’s front office has been adamant about not being open to trading their top prospects, including Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark, but other names that could be used as trade bait are Bryce Rainer and catcher Thayron Liranzo.
However, as noted, it would likely take a lot more, and Detroit might also have to include a player like Zach McKinstry and reliever Brenan Hanifee.
Ketel Marte comes with a six-year, $105 million contract that runs until 2030.
According to BaseballReference.com, Marte is projected to hit 26 home runs, drive in 73 runs, and hit .276 in 2026.
As the winter meetings commence and progress, it will be very interesting to see what rumors surround Marte and if any other suitors join the bunch that are reportedly interested in the 32-year-old infielder.
More MLB on Heavy: Braves-Rays Trade Idea Sends $73 Million All-Star to Tampa in Return for Shane Baz
More Heavy on Tigers
Loading more stories