There’s been a ton of rumors swirling about that the Detroit Tigers might move former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. At 45-56 entering this weekend’s action, Detroit is completely out of the American League playoff picture. It’s in this that everyone on the roster has been put up for sale.
Verlander himself has been linked to both the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers. This, despite the fact he’s owed $56 million over the next two seasons and is nothing more than a mid-rotation guy.
Now, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, it’s looking more and more like Detroit will hang on to its future Hall of Fame starting pitcher.
“Barring a crazy, last-second turnabout, iconic Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander will remain in Detroit after Monday’s trade deadline,” Heyman reported. “There’s been a lot of speculation about Verlander since the Tigers are conducting a sale, but sources say it would take a “miracle” for him to change teams.”
This makes sense. Other teams are a bit worried about Verlander’s contract and remain steadfast in not wanting to pay the entire $56 million remaining on his deal. Meanwhile, Detroit is seemingly valuing the 34-year-old Verlander at a 2011 clip. In the midst of a season that’s seen him put up a 4.50 ERA to go with a 1.44 WHIP and 4.21 FIP, he’s simply not the same guy that dominated the junior circuit for so many years.
It will be interesting to see if Verlander himself continues to be subjected to trade rumors between now and Monday’s non-waiver deadline. But it’s also increasingly apparent the veteran is not a wanted man on the market. Short of Detroit giving him away for next to nothing, the six-time All-Star will remain with the Tigers.