Justin Verlander Reportedly Clears Revocable Trade Waivers

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander has reportedly cleared revocable trade waivers, which makes him eligible to be dealt following Monday's non-waiver MLB trade deadline.

Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press provided the status update Friday.

Verlander was linked to the Chicago Cubs leading up to the deadline, but Jon Morosi‏ of MLB Network reported the reigning World Series champions showed "reluctance" to take on his massive contract.

Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports heard similar feedback from league sources, who noted other organizations "simply want no part" of the longtime Tigers ace's contract.

The 34-year-old six-time All-Star selection is scheduled to make $28 million in every season through 2019 with a vesting option for 2020 at $22 million.

That's a high price to pay for a starter who's struggled with consistency through the 2016 season. He's posted a 4.29 ERA and 1.44 WHIP through 22 starts, though his strikeout numbers remain strong with 126 punchouts in 130 innings.

Verlander was much better last year, posting a 3.04 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 34 outings.

He said before the deadline the rumors represented a win-win situation because he'd either get to stay with the Tigers or likely land with a title contender.

"I guess that makes it easier on me personally," Verlander told reporters. "I definitely would not be upset about staying here in Detroit, and again, because I control my own destiny, it wouldn't be somewhere I don't want to go [if a trade happens]."

A trade is still a long shot unless Detroit decides to take on a significant portion of his future salary or a World Series hopeful becomes desperate for a major addition down the stretch. Clearing waivers keeps the possibility on the table, though.