Tigers Trade Scenario Fixes Injured Outfield By Grabbing Red Sox Castoff

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JON VANKIN is a journalist and writer. He is the author of five nonfiction books and nine graphic novels. His writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Salon, the L.A. Weekly and dozens of other publications and he has received numerous awards and honors including three New England Press Association awards.

In connection with his work, Vankin has made numerous media appearances on such networks as CNN, CNBC, FOX, the BBC and the CBC as well as hundreds of radio stations and podcasts.

Vankin in his wide-ranging career has also served as an editor of comic books and newspapers. He is the editor of the NEW YORK TIMES #1 BESTSELLING graphic novel GET JIRO! by the late, great Anthony Bourdain. He co-wrote the hit Off Broadway musical FOREVER DUSTY, and served as a sportswriter and editor at The Daily Yomiuri, the English-language edition of Japan's largest newspaper, the Yomiuri Shimbun, in Tokyo.

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The Detroit Tigers are off to a dream start after their fairy tale run to the American League playoffs last season. That was Detroit's first postseason appearance since 2014, and with a 13-8 record — second-best in the AL — after their 3-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, they seem poised to get there again.

One obstacle the Bengals face in their quest for postseason play, however, is the outbreak of injuries that started in spring training and have created a significant hole in their offense. Losing not just one but three centerfielders to injury, the Tigers have been forced to go with 2019 fourth-round draft pick out of UCLA Ryan Kreisler, who has managed just four hits in 37 at bats so far.

Boston Red Sox injured outfielder Masataka Yoshida.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 18: Masataka Yoshida #7 of the Boston Red Sox runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of a spring training game against the New York... Nick Cammett/Getty Images

In a recent podcast, however, longtime MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said that he expected the Boston Red Sox to cut ties with an outfielder who, just two years ago, they promised $90 million plus a "posting fee" of $15.75 million to bring over from Japan on a five-year contract.

But heading into this season, as he attempts to recover from a shoulder injury, Masataka Yoshida suddenly finds himself the odd man out in a Red Sox outfield that not only is well-stocked with Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and backup Rob Refsnyfder, but also has baseball's top prospect, outfielder Roman Anthony, biding his time while he continues to dominate Triple-A pitching.

Fansided scribe Katrina Stebbins sees adding the 31-year-old Yoshida, once he is ready to return to action, as a way to bolster the Tigers' ailing outfield production.

"Boston still owes him $55.8 million through 2027, which is an amount the Tigers might balk at, but his offensive production in his first two seasons (.285 average, .776 OPS, 25 homers, 128 RBI) still make him an attractive option for the lineup," Stebbins wrote.

Given that the Red Sox appear likely to part ways with Yoshida one way or another, and would welcome another team willing to absorb the remainder of his contract, it appears doubtful that the Tigers would need to pay a high price in prospects for this quick outfield upgrade.

Yoshida is not a centerfielder, however, meaning that Detroit would need to move Riley Greene, who has played 13 games in left this season, back to the center spot.

More MLB: Braves Fans Can't Believe Yankees Castoff Hit Leadoff in Debut for Atlanta

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About the writer

JON VANKIN is a journalist and writer. He is the author of five nonfiction books and nine graphic novels. His writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Salon, the L.A. Weekly and dozens of other publications and he has received numerous awards and honors including three New England Press Association awards.

In connection with his work, Vankin has made numerous media appearances on such networks as CNN, CNBC, FOX, the BBC and the CBC as well as hundreds of radio stations and podcasts.

Vankin in his wide-ranging career has also served as an editor of comic books and newspapers. He is the editor of the NEW YORK TIMES #1 BESTSELLING graphic novel GET JIRO! by the late, great Anthony Bourdain. He co-wrote the hit Off Broadway musical FOREVER DUSTY, and served as a sportswriter and editor at The Daily Yomiuri, the English-language edition of Japan's largest newspaper, the Yomiuri Shimbun, in Tokyo.

Writers Page

JON VANKIN is a journalist and writer. He is the author of five nonfiction books and nine graphic novels. His ... Read more