'Determined' Tigers could make huge third base upgrade with a trade for a future Hall of Famer

1 week ago 2

'Determined' Tigers could make huge third base upgrade with a trade for a future Hall of Famer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Detroit Tigers are one of the clubs rumored to have interest in free agent third baseman Alex Bregman.

They pursued Bregman last offseason, losing the bidding war to the Boston Red Sox.

Detroit has made several additions to its pitching staff, but upgrading its infield and improving its offensive production at the hot corner is a priority. If the Tigers cannot land Bregman, they could stick with a platoon of Zach McKinstry and Andy Ibanez.

Or, they could explore the trade market for a more reliable third base option who has won six Platinum Glove Awards at the position.

Does Nolan Arenado make sense for the Tigers?

The future Hall of Fame third baseman in St. Louis seems to be stuck with the Cardinals, despite his past success. However, he turns 35 in April and has seen his offensive numbers decline over the past few seasons.

Still, Michael Brauner of Sports Illustrated thinks the Tigers should at least entertain the idea of trading for Arenado.

"The 10-time Gold Glove winner -- even if he's a shell of his former self -- still presents a massive upgrade to the platoon of doom that Detroit has rolled out for the last two seasons," wrote Brauner. "As a team, the Tigers posted a -0.1 bWAR from the third base position, and Arenado presents an instant answer."

Brauner added that the Tigers seem determined to pass on free agents, and a trade for Arenado would be more of a salary dump for the Cardinals than them looking to acquire a handful of prospects.

It may not be the sexiest move for Tigers fans, but it would fulfill a need.