DETROIT (CBS Detroit) — Things have settled down lately as far as the MLB hot stove goes.
The Detroit Tigers didn’t make any moves last week during the winter meetings after rumors of a fire sale swirled since the season’s end. General manager Al Avila has since backed off the idea that there was a mandate for the team to shed payroll.
However, the Tigers may still be looking to send some players away this winter.
One player whose name has repeatedly popped up on the rumor mill is left-handed reliever Justin Wilson. MLB insider Jon Morosi tweeted Monday that the Tigers and the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs may be talking about a trade involving the 29-year-old pitcher.
#Cubs have been in contact with #Tigers on a possible Justin Wilson trade, source says; unclear if there is current momentum. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 12, 2016
The Tigers acquired Wilson last offseason from the New York Yankees in exchange for minor leaguers Luis Cessa and Chad Green. Wilson made 66 appearances out of the Tigers bullpen in 2016, recording a 4.14 ERA, 65 strikeouts and a 1.33 WHIP.
Wilson made just over $1.5 million in 2016 and is now eligible for arbitration.