Detroit Tigers News: MLB winter meetings Monday recap

The offseason may have been relatively slow so far, but the Detroit Tigers had quite a bit of news on the first real day of the winter meetings. Let’s get you all caught up on Monday’s happenings.

• Ian Kinsler could be traded this week. The second baseman was a Gold Glove finalist in 2017 and is the last major trade chip remaining on the Tigers. It’s likely Kinsler will be wearing a different uniform come spring training.
• Michael Fulmer has been discussed in trade talks, but general manager Al Avila isn’t inclined to make a deal. The 2016 AL Rookie of the Year and 2017 All-Star underwent elbow surgery in September but should be back healthy to start the 2018 season.
• Avila isn’t finished acquiring pieces, despite last week’s signing of right-handed starter Mike Fiers. The Tigers are reportedly looking to sign another starting pitcher to a one-year contract.
• The Tigers cleared a roster spot ahead of the Rule 5 draft, and outrighted right-handed pitcher Victor Alcantara off the 40-man roster. Detroit gets top choice in the draft, which will take place Thursday at 9 a.m. ET. Alcantara cleared waivers.
• Detroit has pursued a contract extension with third baseman Nicholas Castellanos. The 25-year-old has four full major league seasons under his belt, and 2017 was his best yet. As it stands now, he won’t be a free agent until after the 2020 season, so there’s plenty of time to negotiate a new contract before then.
• Alan Trammell and Jack Morris were elected to the MLB Hall of Fame on Sunday afternoon, and they were introduced at a press conference Monday. Tigers owner Chris Ilitch announced the team will be retiring Trammell’s No. 3 and Morris’ No. 47.