Detroit Tigers trade rumors: Rockies interested in Justin Wilson, Alex Avila

The Detroit Tigers have been exploring the idea of packaging players to maximize trade value. The Colorado Rockies reportedly have interest in battery mates Justin Wilson and Alex Avila.

The Detroit Tigers are involved in plenty of trade rumors as we inch closer to Monday’s trade deadline. The Tigers have reportedly been trying to package players together in deals to make the most of the trades that may or may not happen.

The latest rumor has the Colorado Rockies interested in the pitcher-catcher duo of Justin Wilson and Alex Avila. Thomas Harding of MLB.com had the story.

"Other catchers who are on the Rockies’ radar are the Braves’ Kurt Suzuki and the Tigers’ Alex Avila, but Colorado understands that a valued commodity could take more than the club has to give. The Rockies are known to be seeking late-innings relievers to help primary setup man Jake McGee and closer Greg Holland…Ideally for the Rockies, they would trade for a closer-type. They extensively scouted Tigers lefty closer Justin Wilson"

A package of Wilson and Avila wouldn’t be of the salary-shedding type that Buster Olney tweeted about — both players carry salaries below $3 million — but rather one that could maximize the total return package of prospects.

Wilson has garnered plenty of trade interest this summer so it would be a shock if he is not dealt ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. With so many teams interested the return should be strong as well.

Avila is a different story as it’s less clear what his trade value is. He’s a rental player with only two months left on his contract, but he costs very little money and carries a valuable left-handed bat to go with his excellent reputation as a backstop.

Avila’s value would be maximized as a platoon catcher for a contender with a solid right-handed hitting option already in the fold. His value on the market would be modest, but the Tigers should strike an agreement if they get a decent offer.

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The second half of the season has not started kindly for Avila — his batting line is a meager .120/.233/.120 — but teams shouldn’t get scared off by a 30 plate appearance slump. His career 108 wRC+ is more than adequate from the catcher position.