With the All-Star break now in the rearview mirror and the trade deadline rapidly approaching the Tigers are looking to make the most of the season by trading away some veteran pieces.
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, Detroit has turned their efforts in unloading pitchers Francisco Liriano and Mike Fiers as well as outfielder Leonys Martin. Meanwhile, any notion of trading Michael Fulmer and/or Nicholas Castellanos has taken a back seat.
The #Tigers are focusing their efforts on trying to move Francisco Liriano, Mike Fiers and Leonys Martin at the deadline. Fulmer and Castellanos are more on the back burner. Al Avila will listen, but a team will have to make a big push to land one of those guys.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 20, 2018
I’ve had my own hesitations when it comes to dealing Fulmer or Castellanos. Aside from Fulmer taking a step back this season he still seems like the type of guy you want to have around considering he’s good, cheap and controllable. However if the team is still looking to unload Fulmer, perhaps the offseason or later next season will net the team the best return, especially if he manages to return to form.
As for Castellanos he’s still young enough to be a nice contributor once the team is ready to compete again.
Meanwhile, the 34-year-old Liriano has posted a 4.67 ERA in 15 starts this season for Detroit but will make a very reasonable prorated amount the rest of the year after signing a one-year, $4 million dollar deal with Detroit in the offseason.
Fiers who also came to Detroit in the offseason is currently employing a 3.70 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 104 2/3 innings across 18 starts.
As for Martin, 2018 has been his most productive in the Majors accumulating a serviceable .758 OPS with 15 doubles, 29 RBIs, and seven steals in 71 games.