Detroit Tigers Rumors: Team aggressively shopping Justin Verlander
Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander has had an average 2017 season. Despite his less than stellar numbers, many teams would be happy to have him.
As each day passes we come closer to the trade deadline. As a result, rumors on the hot stove begin to sizzle.
Detroit Tigers starter Justin Verlander is one of the many rumored names that could find himself donning a new uniform after July 31st.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Verlander has become a hot commodity.
“The Tigers have been fielding offers for Justin Verlander, who is under contract for $56 million in 2018-19. One AL GM termed the majority of talks among his peers as “idle conversation” for now, though he predicts that Verlander will be dealt by next Monday’s Deadline.”
The Tigers, owners of a 45-52 record, would be wise to sell this year.
With multiple overpriced veterans, the team could shed money while acquiring young talent to boost what is the game’s 26th best farm system, according to Baseball America.
Dealing Verlander would surely accelerate what looks like a long overdue rebuild in Motown.
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The right-hander is in the midst of a mediocre season based on his standards. Through 20 starts, the 34-year-old carries a 4.54 ERA, 1.470 WHIP and 4.2 BB/9.
Despite his so-so stats, Verlander is being eyed by multiple teams, as MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported.
The Milwaukee Brewers, known to have legitimate interest in Oakland A’s starter Sonny Gray, are monitoring the Verlander situation, too.
2017 has generally been considered a down year for starting pitching on the trade front. However, adding Verlander to a mix that could include Sonny Gray, Yu Darvish, and Marco Estrada would make things a lot more interesting.
Next: Top Arms Available at the Deadline
Aided by a fantastic track record and a runner-up in Cy Young voting just a season ago, Verlander has the chance to become the market’s second most sought after arm.