Latest Justin Verlander trade rumor will make some celebrate, others cry

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MLB: Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers
Sep 27, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) waves to the crowd after being relieved in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is just days away and despite a plethora of rumors over the past few weeks, the Detroit Tigers have yet to trade Justin Verlander.

That has come to the joy of fans who don’t want to see the most talented pitcher in Tigers history playing in a different uniform, while other fans are shaking their heads in anticipation of the team being stuck paying him $28 million over each of the next two seasons.

On Saturday, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported that barring a “miracle,” Verlander would not be traded prior to the deadline at 4 p.m. on Monday.

From FanRag Sports:

Barring a crazy, last-second turnabout, iconic Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander will remain in Detroit after Monday’s trade deadline.

There’s been a lot of speculation about Verlander since the Tigers are conducting a sale, but sources say it would take a “miracle” for him to change teams.

Rivals teams simply want no part of a contract that pays Verlander $28 million per year through 2019, people familiar with the situation say. And while there have been some public suggestions the Tigers would consider paying some of it, the contract remains an impediment to a deal.

One of the teams who has been rumored to be interested in Verlander’s services is the Houston Astros who happen to be in town this weekend. Interestingly, Verlander is scheduled to pitch against Astros on Sunday. Obviously, if he were to be traded to Houston, JV would simply switch locker rooms.

Heyman noted in his article that should the Tigers decide to hold onto Verlander through the trade deadline, he could still be traded but it’s unlikely.

Verlander could clear waivers and remain available for trade after the deadline. But the same issue would remain, so an August trade wouldn’t be all that likely either. Next winter could prove more fruitful, when many more teams could become options.