NEWSLETTER
Well, the Tigers have already unloaded Justin Upton today, and perhaps they’ll move another big contract Justin before the day is done.
This week, we’ve heard that the Cubs and Tigers have continued talking about Justin Verlander even after the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, and we’ve also heard that there’s a mystery team – in addition to the Astros – making a push for Verlander.
So, perhaps this shouldn’t be a surprise about Verlander, who has already cleared trade waivers:
Source: #Tigers in active discussions on Justin Verlander trade possibility. They are making clear to teams that this is a rebuild. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 31, 2017
Perhaps it’s a little easier for the fan base to stomach trading Verlander for a reasonable return now that the rest of the selling has taken place. Recall, at the July 31 trade deadline, rumors had it that the Tigers wanted a significant return for Verlander (like Ian Happ or Javy Baez type return) AND didn’t want to eat much of his contract (which pays him $28 million each of the next two seasons, when he will be 35 and 36).
If the Tigers come down from that demand to accept a decent prospect package AND eat enough to make Verlander an $18 to $20 million pitcher the next two seasons? Well, they might find themselves a taker today. It’s possible it would be the Cubs, even though they currently sport a six-man rotation. Not only would Verlander add a very hot arm for the stretch run and the postseason, but if the Cubs really want him for 2018 and 2019, now might be the only time to get him.
Stay tuned.
Oh, as I publish, Morosi added a reminder about the Astros:
#Astros have remained in contact with #Tigers on Justin Verlander over last 48 hours, source says. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 31, 2017
There’s an obvious need and fit there, and a ton of prospect talent from which to deal if the Tigers eat enough salary. Would Verlander waive his no-trade rights to go to Houston? It’s a competitive team, at least.
UPDATE: This sounds about right:
tigers continue to talk to teams about verlander. trade said to be "possible, but not probable"
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 31, 2017
There’s a limited pool of teams right now that probably could take Verlander on, between the money, the need, the no-trade rights, etc. It’s hard to put together trades of that magnitude at this point in the year, especially when the Tigers could wait a month and then start working a broader market for a trade in the offseason.
UPDATE 2: This does not surprise me, but it’s good to know:
regarding verlander no-trade, there's belief he'd accept at least cubs, dodgers among teams interested w/i last year. uncertain on astros.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 31, 2017
UPDATE 3: This would seem to make a deal with the Cubs right now all but impossible:
The #Cubs and #Astros have checked back in with the #Tigers today to see if asking price has dropped on ace Justin Verlander. Answer is no.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 31, 2017
UPDATE 4: With the deadline coming in a few hours, it might be over:
A source familiar with Justin Verlander trade talks thinks they're "dead." Doesn't expect JV to be moved tonight.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) September 1, 2017
