The Detroit Tigers were the first MLB club to strike this offseason when they signed starter Jordan Zimmermann. They've since added a number of other pieces and are seemingly done making big moves, but the latest rumors find they may have a few things in store for some of their incumbent players.
As it stands, Detroit probably won't be going after a high-profile outfielder such as Yoenis Cespedes or Alex Gordon, as some have speculated. However, they could take care of outfielder of their own who has been among the best hitters in the league over the past two seasons.
"The Tigers haven't yet started serious negotiations on a contract extension with J.D. Martinez, but those likely will happen, in earnest, early in January," writes Tony Paul of The Detroit News.
"Both sides are believed to have significant interest in getting a deal done."
Rumors surfaced earlier this year about the Tigers and Martinez working out a deal to ensure the slugger stays in Detroit beyond the 2017 season. Back in October it was reported both were mutually interested in an extension. As it stands right now, Martinez, 28, will enter his final season of arbitration eligibility next offseason and then hit the open market after 2017.
After a failed stint with the Houston Astros, Martinez experienced an awakening with the Tigers and has batted .296/.350/.543 with 150 runs scored, 61 home runs and 178 RBI over the past two seasons. He was voted an All-Star for the first time in 2015, won his first Silver Slugger award and finished 15th in the AL MVP voting.
As for potential trades, the Tigers are receiving interest regarding another one of their young players. Some have speculated the team may look to trade one of their highly paid players in order to sign one of those coveted free agent outfielders, but other clubs likely prefer their younger names.
"Another Tiger who could be traded, Nick Castellanos -- yes, there have been inquiring phone calls -- wouldn't be nearly enough to balance the books to sign an outfielder. Castellanos still barely makes the league minimum," adds Paul.
"The likeliest course of action here, then, is for the Tigers to stand mostly pat the rest of the offseason -- there are whispers they could add another, cheap reliever, and maybe a small-name outfielder, probably one who bats right-handed -- and, instead, wait to make their big splash during the season."
Back in October it was said Tigers fans were not happy with Castellanos' development from 2014 to 2015, but Chris Iott of MLive.com said the third baseman is likely to say in the team's plans because he'll be a cost-effective option. The 23-year-old is under club control through the 2019 season and doesn't become eligible for arbitration until next offseason.
General manager Al Avila came to Castellanos' defense following the end of the 2015 season, which further suggests the team will stick with him moving forward, barring an offer the GM can't refuse.
"The other positive I thought, and I know he got a lot of criticism, was Nick Castellanos," Avila told Iott. "I always said, find me a guy who could give you better numbers that can play third base, at his age, the cost effectiveness that he brings, the numbers that he's put up, the improvement defensively."
Castellanos hit .255/.303/.419 with 42 runs scored, 15 home runs and 73 RBI in 154 games last year and figures to take another step forward in 2016 having played only 313 career MLB games.
There's still plenty of time to make moves this offseason, especially with the number of attractive free agents available as well as the growing willingness to make trades across the league, but the Tigers could be done making those significant transactions before the start of 2016.
