The Detroit Tigers’ version of a Miami fire sale has apparently started. With multiple big named veterans on the trade block, Detroit has reportedly dealt veteran second baseman Ian Kinsler to the Los Angeles Angels.
Source: Kinsler to #Angels.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 14, 2017
This marks the second big move of the young winter for an Angels team that already added Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani.
Kinsler, 35, had a down overall season for Detroit in 2016. While he did hit 22 homers, the four-time All-Star also posted a career-low .236 average. He’s set to make $11 million this upcoming season, so that definitely helps the Tigers cut payroll as they continue with their rebuild.
There will likely be other players on the move in Detroit this winter, veterans Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera potentially included.
As it relates to the Angels, Kinsler will surely be an upgrade over the weak-hitting tandem of Cliff Pennington and Danny Espinosa from last season.