Detroit Tigers MLB Trade Rumors: Twins and Padres Reportedly Expressed Interest in Jose Iglesias Over the Winter
The Minnesota Twins have been quite active in the trade market in recent weeks, but it appears that they might have tried to make a move that has gone undetected until now.
Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports has reported that the Twins and the San Diego Padres have reached out to the Detroit Tigers during the winter to inquire about Jose Iglesias. But it's clear they failed to pry the shortstop away from Detroit because he's still wearing a Tigers uniform right now. According to Heyman, the Twins just made a "brief play" for Iglesias, while the Padres' offer was reportedly not enough for the Tigers.
The Padres have been trying to address the issue at the shortstop position during the winter and they were linked with just about every shortstop with a pulse. In fact, this wasn't the first time they were linked to Iglesias. Reports said the Padres almost acquired him in exchange for center fielder Travis Jankowski in January, but the Tigers nixed the deal.
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While no deal was made, ESPN's Doug Mittler has speculated that the Tigers might eventually put their veteran players on the trading block to control payroll.
"General manager Al Avila told reporters last month that the club will not surpass the $200 million luxury tax threshold in 2018. The club has over $194 million in salary commitments for this season and has several veteran players signed to lucrative long-term deals, including Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Justin Upton and Jordan Zimmermann," he said in his report.
"Iglesias will make $4.1 million and is under club control through the 2018 season, so he could be a valuable trade chip this summer should the Tigers fall out of the race," he continued.
With this in mind, Iglesias could still go to the highest bidder if the Tigers decide to clear payroll. If that happens, the Twins and the Padres may still make a move for the shortstop.
