Detroit Tigers: Eyebrow-Raising Player Transactions #30-21

Jul 13, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander (35) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

22. Justin Verlander. Great Pitcher, with a HUGE Contract.

Verlander is a Tiger for life, simply because his contract is stinking large that no one would ever want to take it from the team. JV signed with the Tigers as the second pick of the 2004 draft and he has been with the team ever since. He is one of the best pitchers the Tigers have ever had and his contributions to the team are matched only by pitchers like Hal Newhouser and Jack Morris.

Verlander’s contract is a serious albatross. He is signed through 2020 for $28 million per year with a slight decrease to $22 million in 2020. He is one of the highest paid players in the entire MLB and his contract is frequently cited as one of the worst in the league. Acquiring JV was a brilliant choice, but giving him the immense contract was not so smart. His contract, along with those belonging to Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler, and Victor Martinez limit the money that other players can earn. Over the years, JV has done more to help the team than to hurt the team – he had an 8.4 WAR in 2011 and 7.8 in 2012. His numbers have not improved over the years. He had a 1.1 WAR in 2014 and 2.2 in 2015.

Next: #21 Paying Him NOT to Play for the Tigers