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Detroit Tigers: Five Players Who Could be Traded at the Deadline

By Matt Snyder

Jun 18, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Justin Upton (8) is congratulated by third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) and left fielder Steven Moya (33) after hitting a home run against the Kansas City Royals in the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Justin Upton (8) is congratulated by third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) and left fielder Steven Moya (33) after hitting a home run against the Kansas City Royals in the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 2, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) throws the ball from his knees during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Ian Kinsler

Ian Kinsler is the opposite of most MLB veterans in that his contract gets cheaper going forward. Signed through the 2018 season, he’s set to earn $11 million in 2017 and $10 million in 2018 (an option year that’s sure to be picked up with a $5 million buyout).

Those salaries would be ideal for the Tigers if they’re able to contend for a title in those seasons, and would be attractive around the league if they’re not able to. Like with Castellanos, one has to believe the next division winning Tigers team won’t come until after his contract is up (if not this year, that is).

Kinlser just missed out on an All-Star nod this season, but he’s been the Tigers’ most valuable position player this season as a near-elite player both offensively and defensively.

Next: Detroit Tigers All-Time 25-Man Roster

The Tigers won’t look to give them away, but trading players like Kinsler and Castellanos could help reduce the (seemingly inevitable) rebuild time between these last gasps of contention with the current core and the next wave of championship players.

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