The Detroit Tigers are willing to listen to offers, but the chances of actually trading right-handed pitcher Michael Fulmer appear to be very slim.
Tigers general manager Al Avila appeared on MLB Network's High Heat Program on Monday and told host Christopher Russo he will listen to offers.
"Fulmer's been a guy who has attracted a lot of attention," Avila said. "It's muddied the waters a little bit. Now there is speculation that we have him out there and we don't. But you can't stop a team from calling and inquiring. We're not going to be so naive to where we say we're not even going to listen. I've learned many, many years ago, if you can get two Michael Fulmer's for one, it's a pretty good trade.
"But the probability of that kind of trade happening is probably zero. It's all speculation at this point. Obviously, you can never say never, but at the same time, it's not probable at this point."
Players like Justin Wilson and J.D. Martinez seem to be more likely to go soon though.
"It's a very difficult situation for me," Avila said. "I am very close and have a lot of good relationships with our players. But at the end of the day, we really have to take inventory and do what's best for the organization. We have been receiving calls from clubs that are interested and I have made some calls also. Our players are aware of this. If the right deal is there, we will move forward and make a trade.
"We are in a situation where we really don't have to make moves based on finances or salaries or anything like that. If we can make a good deal, we probably will _ if there is one to be made. If not, we will move forward with our players. That's where we are at right now."
Martinez is someone Avila has known since Martinez was a kid.
"He's like my son," said Avila, who could also end up trading his actual son, catcher Alex Avila, as well.
Al Avila said of Martinez: "He's a highly-coveted guy. He's had a great week and he's having a great season. He's probably one of the premier power hitters in the American League, if not in all of baseball. We've had inquiries and we will see where they take us."
