Pros and cons of trading six promiment Tigers
The pros and cons of dealing the Tigers' marketable players ahead of Friday's deadline:
David Price, LH starter
Pros: Will become free agent in October. Little chance he will stay in Detroit. Johnny Cueto deal shows Tigers can get a solid return for a premier pitcher.
Cons: Rotation anchor. Tigers guaranteed a shot at winning every time he works. Will earn Tigers early draft pick in 2016 if not traded.
Yoenis Cespedes, LF
Pros: Cespedes hits, plays excellent defense, runs — teams will pay for 2-3 months. Tigers can attempt to re-sign this free agent during offseason.
Cons: Tigers get a big two-way bonus from having Cespedes in lineup. Losing him would hurt the batting order, defense — and pitching.
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Pros: Suddenly hot commodity. Kinsler has had a good month (.356, .972 OPS) and plays a premier position. At age 33, Tigers could offload his salary (minimum $30 million through 2018).
Cons: Leadoff batter and key up-the-middle fixture who nails down right-side defense. Tigers have no solid replacement at second base.
Joakim Soria, RH closer
Pros: Bullpen help is sought by any contender this side of the relief-rich Royals. Soria also is a free agent. Tigers could swap him for a meaningful prospect.
Cons: Losing their closer from a back-end bullpen that has had ongoing issues could make for an ugly final two months in Detroit.
Rajai Davis, OF
Pros: Versatile outfielder who can get a hit. Davis also can score from second on a single or from first on a double. With bats scarce, this free-agent-to-be has value.
Cons: Tigers are a better team with Davis in the lineup or on the bench. He has been a two-year bargain for the Tigers, on and off the field.
Alex Avila, C
Pros: Likewise a free agent. Defense, catching skills, on-base percentage, and power would attract buyers. Tigers have James McCann and Bryan Holaday.
Cons: Valuable to a pitching staff that needs all the help it can get. Also can play first base. One of the team's few counters against right-handed pitching.