Report: Tigers' Ian Kinsler Claimed Off Waivers
DETROIT -- Ian Kinsler is still a Tiger, but a report suggests he could soon be heading out of town.
Per Jon Heyman, Kinsler has been claimed off waivers. Heyman has not released which team submitted the claim. The Tigers' starting second baseman was placed on revocable waivers earlier this week.
Hearing ian kinsler was claimed. Not sure by whom though.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 11, 2017
While Kinsler may have been claimed, he's no guarantee to be dealt. The Tigers still have three options: release Kinsler (and the rest of his contract) to the claiming team, try to work a trade for him over the next 48 hours or revoke waivers and keep him on the roster.
Also keep in mind that Kinsler, who is hitting a career-low .247, has the power to block a trade or waiver claim to 10 teams.
Some speculated that the Milwaukee Brewers were the team that claimed Kinsler with a known need at second base. However, Heyman later tweeted the Brewers are not the team with the claim. He also revealed that the Tigers are looking to work a trade but it's doubtful anything will get done.
team that claimed kinsler tried for him before deadline & couldn't work out a deal. they spoke to tigers today but so far nothing's changed
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 11, 2017
there are 48 hours to go on potential kinsler deal. but there's no optimism at this point anything will happen.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 11, 2017
Kinsler will receive about $3.3 million for the remainder of 2017, and has a club option for 2018 worth $10 million. He could be bought out for $5 million in the offseason.