Detroit Tigers Rumors: Latest on starting pitcher Justin Verlander

Detroit Tigers rumors continue to make headlines as July winds down. The latest rumor involves longtime Tiger starting pitcher Justin Verlander.

Detroit Tigers rumors just seem to keep coming.

A number of players’ names have been bandied about in rumors as of late, including closer Justin Wilson, catcher Alex Avila and shortstop Jose Iglesias.

Another member of Detroit’s roster who has been mentioned in trade rumors has been Justin Verlander.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi tweeted the following about the ace starting pitcher on Friday night:

"“Source: Justin Verlander trade talks were *not* progressing as of this afternoon; no deal appears imminent. #Tigers @MLBNetwork @MLB.”"

Verlander is currently sporting a 1.9 WAR in 21 starts this season. Those 21 starts have spanned 124 innings.

In said innings, the former Cy Young and MVP winner has pitched to a 4.50 ERA, a 4.22 FIP and a 4.79 xFIP. He’s struck out 22% of the batters he’s faced, which translates to 8.71 punch outs per nine frames.

Despite the high run-prevention numbers, Verlander has been much better as of late.

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In his last four outings, the starter  has looked much more like an ace, with 28 strikeouts compared to just 10 walks, eight earned runs and three home runs surrendered in 26 innings.

That spits out to a 2.77 ERA and 9.69 strikeouts per nine frames.

A Verlander trade was always going to be somewhat of a tricky proposition given his contract and trade protection.

Money

According to Spotrac, the veteran is making $28 million this season. He’ll make the same amount in both 2018 and 2019. He also has a vesting option for the 2020 campaign.

Verlander’s contract obviously limits any kind of market for him, as few teams would be able to absorb his salary.

Additionally, the longtime Tiger also has 10-and-5 rights.

Players who have been in the league for at least 10 years, and have been with their current club for at least five seasons, earn full no-trade protection and can decline a trade.

Verlander, who made his Major League debut in 2005, before claiming Rookie of the Year honors in 2006, obviously qualifies for 10-and-5 rights.

Next: Jose Iglesias a trade candidate?

Moving forward, he’ll continue to headline the Detroit Tigers’ rotation along with co-ace—and ace of the future—Michael Fulmer.