Detroit Tigers Rumors: Justin Verlander linked with Milwaukee Brewers

Detroit Tigers rumors continue to stay relevant, especially with the trade deadline on the horizon. The latest rumor involves starting pitcher Justin Verlander.

Detroit Tigers rumors are back.

The Tigers have already dealt J.D. Martinez, while the likes of Justin Wilson and Alex Avila have seen their names surface in trade tumors.

Another player whose name has been bandied about in rumors is starting pitcher Justin Verlander.

The team’s longest tenured player, Verlander achieved franchise icon status years ago.

Despite being a future Hall of Famer, it is still somewhat conceivable that the ace could be dealt.

Verlander has turned in a 1.7 WAR this season. His numbers are down this season after a 2016 campaign that was Cy Young-worthy.

All told, the veteran is striking out 8.54 batters per nine innings to go along with a 4.45 ERA, a 4.35 FIP and a 4.86 xFIP in 117 innings.

Despite the struggles, Verlander does have a 2.37 ERA in his last three starts, which have totaled 19 innings. In said 19 innings, the right-hander has punched out 19.

The Detroit Free Press’ Anthony Fenech tweeted the following on Thursday afternoon:

“On Justin Verlander: The Brewers are interested, I’m told, and the Cubs are said to be still monitoring the situation.”

Milwaukee would certainly make an interesting fit for Verlander.

Related Story: Best and worst trade partners for Detroit

Brewers’ revamped farm system

After trades sending out veterans like Carlos Gomez, Jonathan Lucroy, Will Smith, Francisco Rodriguez, Adam Lind, Aaron Hill, Khris Davis and Tyler Thornburg in the past few years—not to mention a handful of drafts—the Brew Crew have rebuilt their farm system.

Because of this, a potential trade with Milwaukee could net a haul of intriguing prospects.

Outfield prospect Lewis Brinson, who is hitting .345 with a .988 OPS, 60 runs scored, 54 RBI, 29 walks, 20 doubles, 11 stolen bases, 10 home runs and three triples 33 extra-base hits in Triple-A, is likely out of the question.

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However players like left-hander Josh Hader, right-hander Brandon Woodruff, outfielder Brett Phillips and middle infielders Isan Diaz and Mauricio Duban could be conceivable fits.

While the Brewers and Tigers make some sense as trade partners, it remains to be seen if Verlander will be dealt.

Even if Detroit accepted a proposal for the starting pitcher, he would still have the final say.

The 34-year-old has 10-and-5 rights, meaning he can veto a trade.

A player receives 10-and-5 rights when he has been in the Majors for at least 10 years, and has spent the last five with one team.

Next: 3 pennant chasers reportedly linked with Justin Wilson

Verlander, who has been with the Tigers since 2005, obviously qualifies.