Phones began ringing more often Thursday in big-league front offices, including one in Detroit, and not surprisingly. Once a new owners-players deal was sealed Wednesday night, clubs had a greener light to talk trades while settling on free-agent strategies.
No names have been revealed from the Tigers’ conversations. But here is what’s known as 30 clubs pack for Sunday’s check-in at baseball’s Winter Meetings, which this year are set for suburban Washington, D.C.
The Tigers are not — are not — obligated by ownership to chop payroll even if luxury-tax punishment hits them again in 2017. They will make trades, likely one or two next week, if they’re offered players they see as making a team healthier for the long term.