MLB trade rumors: Tigers getting closer to trading Ian Kinsler

Detroit hopes to get a deal done soon.

The Tigers are “getting closer” to dealing veteran second baseman Ian Kinsler, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com.

“We’ve gotten to the point where names have been exchanged,” Detroit general manager Al Avila said to Beck. “We just can’t agree.”

This news comes a day after Avila said he expected a deal to get done, according to Evan Woodbery of MLIve Media Group. One of the clubs that expressed interested in Kinsler was the Mets.

A four-time All-Star, Kinsler struggled mightily on offense while hitting out of the leadoff spot for Detroit last year. The 35-year-old had a career-worst slash line of .236/.313/.412 while playing in 139 games. He also posted a 2.1 WAR, which was the worst for him since his rookie season in 2006. In his previous three seasons, he had a WAR above 5.7, has batted over .275 and has been either an All-Star, a vote-getter on the AL MVP ballot or a Gold Glove winner.

The 2018 campaign will mark his 13th season and the final one of Kinsler’s 5-year, $75 million extension signed in 2013 with the Rangers. Kinsler is owed $11 million million after his option vested for having over 600 plate appearances in 2017.

The Tigers have a future successor at second in Dawel Lugo, which makes it imperative for them to get a good return on Kinsler.