Detroit Tigers trade rumors: Justin Wilson talks heating up
By Matt Snyder
The Detroit Tigers are seeing plenty of interest in Justin Wilson as many of today’s trade rumors center on the left-handed closer.
The Detroit Tigers should not have any trouble trading left-handed reliever Justin Wilson in the next couple of weeks as the closer is generating plenty of trade interest according to multiple reports.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, as many as 12 teams have submitted offers to the Tigers for Wilson.
"Tigers officials say they plan to move left-handed reliever Justin Wilson, outfielder J.D. Martinez and catcher Alex Avila. Wilson easily is drawing the most interest, with about 12 teams bidding for him, led by the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers."
Nightengale calls out the Astros and the Dodgers as being leaders in the bidding, but other teams are hot to trot as well. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports that the Tigers and Rays have entered into serious negotiations.
Hearing #Rays have expressed legit interest in #Tigers LHP Justin Wilson and there is some traction in talks.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 17, 2017
Nothing appears imminent, however as the Tigers are apparently asking for a very strong prospect package in return for Wilson, who might be the best reliever on the market this trade season.
Tigers getting a ton of interest on Justin Wilson. Nothing close to a deal yet, from what I'm hearing. https://t.co/oTPIDsa0m4
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 17, 2017
as @TBTimes_Rays reports #Rays interested in #Tigers J. Wilson. For now prospect price too high for them. Looking at myriad of relievers
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 17, 2017
The Tigers are right to keep their asking prices high. With so many teams interested they’re bound to get something close to what they’re looking for. Nightengale’s prediction was that Wilson would end up going to the Astros in exchange for outfielder Derek Fisher.
That deal would be a big win for the Tigers. Fisher is an above average defensive outfielder and carries a bat that has hit for power and on-base ability at every level in the minor leagues. He made his major league debut this season and has hit .278/.381/.611 in 21 plate appearances with a pair of home runs.
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Justin Wilson has a 2.29 ERA in 35 innings pitched this season with a 36.5% strikeout rate. He has recorded 10 saves and eight holds against one blown save this season.