Report: Dodgers, Tigers in contact about Kinsler trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been in contact with the Detroit Tigers regarding a possible trade involving second baseman Ian Kinsler, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Kinsler is coming off another strong season, hitting .288/.348/.484 with 28 home runs, 29 doubles, and 83 RBIs in 153 games while also claiming the first Gold Glove of his 11-year career. He's owed $11 million in 2017, with a $12-million team option in 2018.

The prospect-rich Dodgers need a second baseman after Chase Utley departed via free agency, and the right-handed-hitting Kinsler certainly fits the bill. Morosi noted the Tigers have interest in Dodgers prospect Cody Bellinger, who hit .263/.359/.484 with 23 home runs in Double-A last season.

Any deal, however, would reportedly need to be approved by Kinsler, who has a partial no-trade clause and can veto a deal with the Dodgers (and nine other teams), according to MLB.com's Jason Beck.

Detroit appears to be in the beginning stages of a rebuild. General manager Al Avila has been blunt about his desire to cut payroll, and anticipates trading some of the club's veterans.

The Tigers have reportedly already had discussions with the San Francisco Giants about outfielder J.D. Martinez, while it's also believed Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera could be dangled in trade talks.