4. The Tigers will trade Justin Verlander
At some point in 2017, the Tigers are going to realize how far they are from being a real contender in the American League. When that day comes, they’ll have to embrace a rebuild. Realistically, Verlander is too old to be a part of that. He’s acknowledged that himself.
“Would it have been upsetting for me if we started trading away everybody?” Verlander inquired on MLB Network radio in January (H/T Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press) before answering the question. “I’m too old to be part of a rebuilding process.”
Unfortunately, while Detroit didn’t go into rebuilding mode, it also didn’t do a lot to improve in the offseason. The Tigers are well behind the Cleveland Indians in the American League Central. Cleveland has arguably the American League’s best starting rotation, a phenomenal bullpen and an already strong offense that replaced Mike Napoli with Edwin Encarnacion.
Age is also not an ally of Detroit. Victor Martinez is 38. Miguel Cabrera will turn 34 early in the year.
So, while the Tigers didn’t rebuild in the offseason, look for the need to rebuild to become more of a reality in 2017. Verlander has a no trade clause (and 10/5 rights, to boot) but as he said, he’s too old to rebuild.
That certainly makes it more likely that he’d waive his no trade clause and accept a deal to a contender.