Atlanta Braves: Shop While Tigers Open for Business?

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Jun 30, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) looks on in the dugout during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Which Tigers could the Atlanta Braves have interest in?

Let’s go through the list again, this time with an eye on areas of need…

Justin Verlander– It’s been discussed by us here and yes, I think the Braves would have interest in acquiring him if he became available.

Miguel Cabrera– Unless the National League adopts the DH in 2017 and the Tigers decided to be generous and throw 100 million in cash their way, ah…what am I saying. He’s still a great hitter, but… No frickin’ match.

Justin Upton– The Braves already have an outfield logjam and they’re likely not trading Matt Kemp after the half season he had.// especially as streaky as Upton has been. No match.

Jordan Zimmerman– Zimm’s FB velocity dropped below 92 and his K/9 dropped below 6, and his ERA was nearly 5. Furthermore he was injured half the season and is owed a lot of money. Oh yeah…there’s that no-trade thing as well. Too many hoops. Not a match.

Victor Martinez– No DH, no Victor. Not a match.

Anibal Sanchez– ERA was near 6 in 2017 and there’s likely just as many scrap-heap starting pitchers (Bud Norris) that can do better for a fraction of the price. No match, in my opinion.

Ian Kinsler– A pretty great player worth 5.8 WAR last year and is under team control through 2018 with a very affordable club option. He’s strictly been a 2nd baseman for his career and has been very good, but with the presence of Ozzie Albies and Jace Peterson, there’s many other areas the Braves need to improve before looking at 2nd base. No match.

Cameron Maybin– He’s here because of the price of his option. Yes, his buyout is only 1 million but letting him walk leaves their CF vacant. The Braves already have a logjam of sorts in the OF, but if someone gets dealt, Maybin could be a target. It’s a stretch…a big stretch. No match.

J.D. Martinez– In a competition for worst-fielding outfielder, J.D. gives Matt Kemp a run for his money. He’s got some serious power but Braves don’t need another defensive liability. No match.

Mark Lowe– A 7.11 ERA for the Tigers and a big drop in velocity. Braves should be trading bullpen depth, not acquiring it. No match.

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