Justin Verlander Trade Rumors: Tigers SP Expected to Hit Market Before Deadline

Front office executives throughout Major League Baseball reportedly expect Justin Verlander to hit the trade block before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. 

Citing "multiple front office sources," Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan reported Wednesday it's expected Verlander will "hit the trade market sometime in the next two weeks." 

However, Passan cautioned this "is more tea-leaf reading than any indication Tigers general manager Al Avila has given in conversations with teams."

A season removed from finishing second in American League Cy Young Award voting, Verlander has failed to live up to expectations as Detroit's ace. 

Through 16 starts, the 34-year-old is 5-4 with a 4.47 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 92 strikeouts and AL-high 44 walks. Last year, Verlander posted a 3.04 ERA, AL-best 254 strikeouts and a meager 57 walks in 34 starts. 

Citing league sources, Passan also reported Verlander "has shown no inclination to leave Detroit."

According to the terms of the six-year, $162 million deal he signed in 2013, Verlander has a no-trade clause and retains the right to veto any trade the Tigers agree to. 

And as Passan noted, Verlander's hefty salary makes him a tough piece to move. 

According to Spotrac, the 2011 AL MVP is owed $28 million annually through the 2019 season, and he owns a $22 million option for 2020 that will vest if he finishes in the top five in Cy Young voting the season prior.