Justin Verlander Reportedly Highly Unlikely to Be Traded by Tigers

A trade involving Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander prior to Monday's non-waiver trade deadline doesn't appear to be in the cards, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

On Saturday, Heyman said sources indicated it would take a "miracle" for the Tigers to move the 2011 American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner.

The biggest reason for a relative lack of interest in Verlander relates to the massive contract attached to him.

Per Spotrac, Verlander is set to make $28 million per year in 2018 and 2019, and there is a $22 million vested option in his contract for 2020 if he finishes in the top five of Cy Young voting in 2019.

The 34-year-old veteran has struggled this season with a 5-7 record, 4.50 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 120 strikeouts in 124 innings.

Just last season, Verlander went 16-9 with a 3.04 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 254 strikeouts in 227.2 innings, and he finished second in the Cy Young race behind Boston Red Sox righty Rick Porcello.

Verlander is a six-time All-Star and potential future Hall of Famer, but his combination of advanced age, a huge contract and poor production this season makes him a less than ideal target for pitching-needy teams.

Detroit would likely love to get him off the books, though, considering it is a disappointing 45-56 and essentially out of the playoff race.

For teams looking for pitching, a younger player under team control such as Oakland Athletics ace Sonny Gray may be a better option, as would rentals such as Yu Darvish or Lance Lynn.