DETROIT – Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is drawing a lot of trade attention ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
Jon Morosi reported Monday that both the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are showing interest in Verlander.
The Cubs had been previously reported as interested, but Morosi says trade discussions are ongoing - as well as for Alex Avila.
MLive's Evan Woodbery even reported the Tigers are making Drew VerHagen available to start tonight in the event Verlander gets moved.
Justin Verlander is coming off one of his best major-league seasons, as he should have taken home another AL Cy Young award. Even though he's struggling through 17 starts this year, he's widely considered one of the best starting pitchers in the league and could provide a boost to a playoff team in the second half.
For the Tigers, it doesn't make sense to hold onto Verlander as he enters his mid-30s. They don't figure to be in contention for the next couple seasons, so it would benefit both parties if Verlander is dealt to a contender.
What can the Tigers expect to get in return? As it so often does in professional sports, money will be a major determining factor. Verlander is making $28 million this season, and will make the same amount in 2018 and 2019. There's also a $22 million vesting option for 2020 if he finishes in the top five in 2019 Cy Young voting.
Here are five players the Tigers could potentially target in a Verlander deal.