Tigers GM expects deal or two to be made soon

With the trade deadline two weeks away and his team struggling to stay out of the American League Central basement, Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila may have to make some changes.

The executive appeared on High Heat with Chris Russo on Monday to discuss the future of the team - which has reportedly been shopping reliever Justin Wilson, outfielder J.D. Martinez, and catcher Alex Avila - and said he expects a deal or two to occur in a week or a week and a half.

Wilson has been linked to a number of teams, including the Washington Nationals and the Tampa Bay Rays. Meanwhile, Martinez has attracted interest from the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks. And the Chicago Cubs have reportedly been eyeing Avila.

One player Avila isn't interested in dealing is right-hander Michael Fulmer, who the Cubs called Detroit about, even making them an offer that included power-hitting outfielder Kyle Schwarber.

"Fulmer's been a guy who has attracted a lot of attention," Avila said on High Heat, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. "It's muddied the waters a little bit. Now there is speculation that we have him out there and we don't. But you can't stop a team from calling and inquiring."

"We're not going to be so naive to where we say, 'We're not even going to listen,'" Avila continued. "I've learned many, many years ago, if you can get two Michael Fulmers for one, it's a pretty good trade.

"But the probability of that kind of trade happening is probably zero. It's all speculation at this point. Obviously, you can never say never, but at the same time, it's not probable at this point."

One other interesting trade chip the Tigers possess is ace Justin Verlander, who could potentially be moved if Detroit is willing to eat some of his contract, which guarantees him $56 million after this season. Sources told Jon Morosi of FOX Sports on Monday the Tigers are now willing to do so.