Detroit Tigers Discussing A Three-Way Trade For Rick Porcello

The San Diego Padres have been linked to right-handed pitcher Rick Porcello for most of the off-season. It has been reported, the Padres have made relievers Luke Gregerson and Joe Thatcher available to the Detroit Tigers, even discussing Jesus Guzman at times.

However, those three guys do not interest the Tigers at all.

But shortstop J.J. Hardy does, and the Padres don’t have him.

Oct 1, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello (48) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

MLB Traderumors reports that the Tigers and Chicago Cubs are discussing a three-way trade that would send Porcello to the Cubs and have the Baltimore Orioles serving as the third team involved.

The Tigers don’t feel the Cubs have enough leverage to make a straight deal, so with the O’s involved the Tigers would net Hardy, a player the Tigers really like.

For the Orioles to trade Hardy, the Cubs would have to send pitching to the Orioles.  The O’s also appear to be somewhat reluctant to part ways with Hardy.

If the Padres want to acquire the 24-year-old Porcello they outta raise the stakes.

But I wouldn’t offer more than what they have already offered in Thatcher or Gregerson. If the Padres don’t obtain Porcello I wouldn’t worry too much.

Porcello does have a high-ceiling, but to trade away top prospects for the guy is just not worth it.

I am very disappointed in how Padres general manager Josh Byrnes has treated this off-season, but I think with Porcello, Byrnes has the right approach.