Justin Verlander Rumored To Be Target Of Dodgers
By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid
The trade rumors around the Tigers continue to swirl.
Justin Verlander to the Los Angeles Dodgers? It's a deal that could be in the works, per Bill Shea of Crains Detroit.
I'm not plugged into the MLB trade channels, but a source who is connected to Verlander's camp told me the rumored Dodgers trade is brewing.
— Bill Shea (@Bill_Shea19) November 10, 2016
Verlander is coming off his best season in four years. He went 16-9 with a 3.04 ERA and a 1.001 WHIP. On Monday, he was nominated for the A.L. Cy Young Award.
But the 34-year-old is due $84 million over the next three years and the Tigers are looking to trim their payroll. The Dodgers have the wherewithal to absorb Verlander's contract.
Still, Shea cautions fans not to consider anything done.
That said, take everything with a grain of road salt. But the Dodgers have ready access to serious cash to absorb any contract.
— Bill Shea (@Bill_Shea19) November 10, 2016
Verlander has a full no-trade clause, so he would have to approve any deal the Tigers draw up.
On Wednesday, it was rumored that the Houston Astros were looking to acquire Miguel Cabrera. J.D. Martinez and Ian Kinsler have popped up in trade talks as well.
The chatter surrounding the Tigers' stars was stirred by GM Al Avila's end-of-the-year comments, in which he declared, "changes are coming." And it has gained steam at the General Managers Meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz., where Avila has confirmed the Tigers are open to trading anyone on their roster.
The GM Meetings conclude today.