Detroit Tigers GM Al Avila has made it known that he is looking to cut payroll and shake up his roster this Winter. However, one writer who covers the team believes he has no intentions of moving two of his core players in second baseman Ian Kinsler or right-hander Justin Verlander for that matter.(Detroit Free Press)
Beat Writer Anthony Fenech explains why Kinsler is likely staying put:
“By trading Kinsler, who carries a lot of value with his contract expiring after the 2017 season pending a $12-million buyout, the Tigers would be parting with their heart and soul, an aggressor at the top of the lineup, and overall, a winning player.”
Original Report – Oct 22
The Mets have many needs this year, and only a few positions to add players. One position in flux is 2nd base. The Mets have the option of using some combination of Wilmer Flores, Jose Reyes, Gavin Cecchini and T.J. Rivera, who all come with risk and uncertainties. Or they have the option of gambling on the balky back of Neil Walker (requiring either $17.2 million qualifying offer, or a long-term commitment). This is where the recent news that Detroit is looking to purge major salary comes into play.
This brings us to Ian Kinsler. For those of you who are unaware of Ian Kinsler, he is a premier second baseman coming off one of the best years of his career at age 34, posting a 123 wRC+. While some may shy away from a player in his mid 30’s, Kinsler has shown no signs of decline, ranking as an elite defensive player (posting UZR/150 of 7.5, 6.7, 11.2 over the last 3 seasons) while annually putting up a .340+ on-base percentage ( a glaring need for the Mets) and posting a .319 average w/RISP last season (another glaring need for the Mets).
So the question comes down to what will it cost via trade, and in terms of finances. Kinsler is on the back side of a 5 year contract extension that currently has him on the books for $11 million in 2017 with a club option of $10 million for 2018, with a $5 million buyout. So essentially the Mets choose 1 year at $16 million total (cheaper than Walker’s QO) or 2 years at $21 million (cheaper than what Walker’s contract would be if signed). This is a low commitment, high reward scenario for the Mets with minimal risk.
As for the cost in prospects, that may be a determining factor. Reports are that the key is teams willingness to take on full contract requirements of any player Detroit unloads. So it would appear the price in terms of prospects may not be steep. Given that and the affordable contract it’s possible that Kinsler is a perfect fit for the Mets.
It will be interesting to see what route Sandy Alderson goes this offseason, but with a player of Kinsler’s caliber available, with minimal risk involved, it would be wise for Alderson to explore this option. He showed no issue with signing mid 30’s players, as he reportedly offered 4 years to Ben Zobrist just last offseason, and Kinsler is a younger, better all around player compared to Zobrist.
