Detroit Tigers Rumors: Potential Justin Wilson Trade to Cubs Looks Unlikely

Detroit Tigers rumors are continuing to stay in the headlines as the calendar year winds down. According to the latest report, a potential Justin Wilson trade to Chicago looks unlikely.

Detroit Tigers rumors don’t appear to be going anywhere. The Winter Meetings are a thing of the past. However, the names of Detroit players are still surfacing in the rumor mill.

Per the latest tweet from USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale, any potential trade involving Justin Wilson and the Chicago Cubs doesn’t seem likely at this point.

The writer tweeted, “The #Cubs trade talks for #Tigers Justin Wilson have stalled, the clubs say, unable to find match, and both sides appear to have moved on.”

Detroit and Chicago would have made for interesting trade partners.

The Cubs have plenty of intriguing prospects, from flame-throwing starting pitcher Dylan Cease to third baseman Jeimer Candelario.

Elsewhere, the likes of Albert Almora Jr., Mark Zagunis and Corey Black could all have fit with the Tigers.

While the defending champs don’t necessarily have a need in the bullpen, teams are always looking for more depth.

The Cubs’ bullpen will be headed up by former Kansas City closer Wade Davis. Other relief options include Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop, Carl Edwards Jr. and Mike Montgomery.

Wilson is slated to make $2.7 million next season, per MLBTradeRumors. The reliever is one of the more attractive trade chips on Detroit’s roster.

Added Bullpen Depth

Whether the team moves Wilson remains to be seen, but they certainly have the depth to withstand a trade.

Tigers general manager Al Avila has added a number of pitchers this offseason to give the team more potential options.

Hypothetically, if Wilson was dealt, Detroit would still be left with Bruce Rondon, Blaine Hardy, Alex Wilson, Joe Jimenez, Kyle Ryan and Shane Greene as options to set up Francisco Rodriguez.

Feb 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon (43) and teammates pitch in the bullpen at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Elsewhere, the Tigers brought in the likes of Logan Kensing, Jeff Ferrell, Dustin Molleken and William Cuevas on minor league deals to provide additional relief options in the minors.

Reliever Daniel Stumpf was also added via the Rule 5 draft.

Starters Potentially Working in the Bullpen

With the rotation seemingly set with Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer, Jordan Zimmermann, Matt Boyd and Daniel Norris, some of Detroit’s extra starters could also transition to the bullpen.

In terms of starting pitchers on last season’s roster, Anibal Sanchez, Mike Pelfrey and Buck Farmer could all move to relief roles.

What’s more, Chad Bell and Myles Jaye—who both reached Triple-A last season—could also contribute during the 2017 season.