The MLB offseason is starting to heat up in a big way. As it was announced today, the Los Angeles Angels acquired second baseman Ian Kinsler from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for pitcher Wilkel Hernandez and center fielder Troy Montgomery. The teams have both confirmed the trade.
The #Tigers have acquired RHP Wilkel Hernandez and OF Troy Montgomery from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for INF Ian Kinsler. With the completion of the trade, the #Tigers 40-man roster is now at 38. pic.twitter.com/lSiNw4rWkf
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) December 14, 2017
Player Profiles
Kinsler was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 2003 June Amateur Draft. Kinsler was taken in the 17th round with the 496th overall pick. In his rookie year, during the 2006 season, Kinsler finished 7th in ROY voting, with a statline of a .286 batting average, 14 home runs, and 55 RBI. Two years later, in 2008, Kinsler was named to his first All Star game, and finished 20th in MVP voting. He was once again part of the MVP voting in 2009, and finished 26th. In 2010, Kinsler again earned an All-Star nod. He would be traded to the Tigers in exchange for cash and first baseman Prince Fielder. Kinsler, in total, has been named to four All-Star games, in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014, and has won a Gold Glove in his career.
Montgomery was ranked the Angels 20th-best prospect by MLBPipeline.com. In his minor league career so far, Montgomery has a .279 batting average, with 15 home runs and 68 RBI. Montgomery reached Double-A last season for the Angels.
Hernandez was ranked the Angels 26th-best prospect by MLBPipeline.com. In his minor league career so far, Hernandez has a 2.28 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 59.1 innings pitched. Hernandez reached the Pioneer League last season.
Trade Analysis
The Angels get one of the best second basemen in the game today. With his defensive prowess and hitting ability, Kinsler will be the perfect addition to the young core of superstar center fielder Mike Trout and recent signee Shohei Ohtani. The Tigers gain two prospects who look to have good potential to help the Tigers once they are ready for the big leagues, not to mention both are young. Montgomery will turn 24 in 2018, and Hernandez will turn 19.
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