The rumors about the Houston Astros selling off at the trade deadline continue to have legs. And in all the stories, Justin Verlander is named as one of their trade chips. JV has recently returned…
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WATERCOOLER WEDNESDAY.
Totally Tigers
The rumors about the Houston Astros selling off at the trade deadline continue to have legs. And in all the stories, Justin Verlander is named as one of their trade chips.
JV has recently returned from a minor injury and pitched (through Monday) 34 innings so far. If he doesn’t get traded, he will automatically vest into 1 more year with the Astros. It is a player option.
However, he would have to start at least 20 more games this season and go at least 5 innings per game for that to happen.
If he gets traded and hasn’t reached that number, he will become a free agent after this season.
Verlander is 41 and he has stated multiple times that he plans on pitching until his mid-40’s.
JV has a full no-trade clause. The rumors go on to state that he has told people there are 3 teams in which he would approve a trade. The Tigers are one of them.
Of course, it is the team that drafted and developed him. The team he spent 13 years with.
But also consider that A. J. Hinch was his manager in Houston.
Most importantly, if he wants to continue pitching, there is no better pitching coach than Chris Fetter to help him be his best.
All reasons to come back to Detroit.
But we also have to look at the Tigers’ starting rotation. Tarik Skubal and Reese Olson are the only sure bets for next year. More info needs to be developed on Casey Mize’s future. Jack Flaherty is leaving after this year and Kenta Madea has 1 more year left on his contract.
The Tigers will have a potential 2-3 holes in their rotation for next year. Other than Maeda who is not fluent in English, there are no other veterans on the staff to help guide the younger pitchers.
Granted, if Houston wants to trade JV, they will want something in return. It’s unclear how valuable a 41-year old will be in a trade.
But should the Tigers bring back Justin Verlander?
Should the Detroit Tigers bring back Justin Verlander?
1. Yes, he's a winner and first-ballot Hall of Famer.
2. No, we need to let go of the past and move towards the new.
VOTE
