Report: Tigers now less motivated to trade away veterans

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila appears to have pulled a bit of a 180 at the winter meetings.

After announcing intentions to cut payroll through cost-cutting trades last month, Tigers officials are now reportedly telling teams they are less motivated to make those deals, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

The Tigers have reportedly discussed trades involving J.D. Martinez and Ian Kinsler - both free agents at the end of 2017 - and were previously believed to be willing to part ways with several other veterans, including Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera even said he would accept a trade, should it benefit the Tigers.

While payroll is an issue for the Tigers, their window to contend still remains open. Detroit finished 86-75 last season, despite missing Nick Castellanos, J.D. Martinez, and Jordan Zimmermann for significant time due to injury, and will return most of that lineup in 2017. The Tigers are a threat to give the Cleveland Indians a run for the division, especially with the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, and possibly Kansas City Royals rebuilding.