There aren’t many controllable starting pitchers on the trading block at present time, which makes the Detroit Tigers and their course of action with Justin Verlander all the more notable. Working against the Tigers is Verlander’s recent performance and exorbitant contract.
Earlier this month the Tigers were said to be seeking a significant return in trade for the 34-year-old. They held a stance of not wanting to pay any portion of Verlander’s remaining salary, but reportedly are now open to covering the remainder of his $28 million salary this year, which is just shy of $11 million.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, an anonymous American League general manager said the Tigers are being aggressive in their attempt to trade the veteran right-hander:
The Tigers are shopping Verlander aggressively, the GM said, and although Detroit doesn’t appear willing to eat much of the $56 million he’s owed in 2018-19, there are a number of clubs interested in the former AL MVP Award and AL Cy Young Award winner.
Considering their financial prowess and motivation to win a World Series, the Dodgers have often been mentioned as potential trade parter for the Tigers. Though, even Los Angeles has limits, and acquiring an aging pitcher such as Verlander may very well not fit their vision.
Verlander is owed $28 million in each of the next two years and has a $22 million vesting option for 2020. From the Dodgers’ perspective, they presumably would wish for a trade to include Justin Wilson alongside Verlander.
On the year, Verlander is 5-7 with a 4.50 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. He threw seven strong innings against the Kansas City Royals on Monday night, allowing just three runs on five hits, while collecting nine strikeouts.
It was a second consecutive outing in which Verlander tossed seven innings against the Royals. The Dodgers reportedly scouted him in the road start last week.
Verlander is not far removed from a strong season, having finished second in AL Cy Young voting last year.
