MLB Trade Rumors: Justin Verlander to remain with Detroit Tigers through the season?
By Jason Evans
The Detroit Tigers do not expect to trade Justin Verlander until the off-season
Just because it’s August doesn’t mean there can’t be any trades made. Many players have gone through the waiver process already and some teams have already made marginal upgrades. One player who has gone through the waiver process is Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander. The Tigers can trade Verlander right now, however, it doesn’t appear likely.
The #Astros called the #Tigers to check in on Justin Verlander, but nothing materialized; Tigers say Verlander likely to stay until winter.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 7, 2017
After winning 16 games last year and posting an ERA just over 3.00 in 2016, 2017 has been a different story for the 34-year-old right-hander.
Verlander is 7-7 with a 4.20 ERA. He’s given up less than a hit per inning, however, he’s already walked more batters (60) than he did all last year (57).
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Verlander is also giving up much more hard contact. Last year, it was 28.9%. This year? Up to a 36% hard contact rate. He’s actually throwing harder this year than he did last year, but it just hasn’t been as effective.
The problem with Verlander is his contract. He’s owed $28 million each year over the next two seasons along with a $22 million vesting option in 2020 if he finishes in the top five in AL Cy Young voting in 2019. At age 35 and 36 that’s a lot of coin for someone who’s on the back nine of his career.
The Detroit Tigers are going to have to eat money in order to get Verlander’s contract moved and still collect some talent in return, whether it’s to Houston or to somewhere else.
Could the Astros acquire him by the end of the month if they get more injuries to their starting staff? Maybe. Could Boston and old friend Dave Dombrowski jump in if David Price‘s elbow injury is far worse than imagined? Perhaps.
I can’t see Verlander being moved until the winter. To add that kind of money to your payroll is very hard mid-season. It’s a lot easier to weigh that cost in the off-season vs signing someone for a similar position.
Verlander is a legacy player for the Detroit Tigers, however, it’s probably best that both sides part ways and Verlander finishes his career somewhere else that’s competing for championships every year to give him another shot or two at the elusive ring.