The moment that the Detroit Tigers traded Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros just before the 2017 MLB trade deadline, I made the prediction that Verlander would return to Detroit for the 2022 season.
Well, the time has come and I still believe that the Tigers, who are in need of a couple of veteran pitchers, could kick the tires on Verlander, who just became a free agent.
The problem is that Verlander is not only getting up there in age (he is now 39) but he is coming off Tommy John surgery so it would be a risky proposition to bring him back.
One person who does not think Verlander is coming back is Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
But before we go any further — as storybook as it may have been, Justin Verlander isn’t likely to be walking back through that door. Nor is Max Scherzer.
Unless the market completely caves in, the Tigers aren’t likely to pony up $20 million for Verlander, coming off Tommy John surgery at age 39. Scherzer will likely command close to $30 million.
As much as I wanted to see Verlander eventually return to the Tigers, I have to believe that when it comes down to it, he may end up heading elsewhere.
What do you think?
