MLB trade rumors: Tigers should make these 5 moves

Mar 12, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA;Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) runs to first base on a double to center during the third inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the New York Mets at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 27, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) sits in the dugout during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Say goodbye to Justin Verlander

This is the big one.

Verlander is arguably the greatest pitcher in the long history of the Tigers. A six-time All-Star, he is a former Cy Young winner and MVP and a fan favorite. Dealing him would not be a popular move.

But the Tigers should do it anyway. At 34, Verlander does not figure to be part of the next great Tiger team, so it makes sense for the Detroit front office to get what they can now. The market for starting pitching is always robust, and Verlander’s stellar 2016 assures teams will be interested.

And the Tigers have an ace-in-waiting in Michael Fulmer.

There are roadblocks to a deal, though. As a 10-5 guy, Verlander has full no-trade rights. The Tigers would need to get him to waive those rights, so they would have to find a trade partner to Verlander’s liking.

And then there’s that contract.

Verlander is owed about $80-million through the end of 2020. Even the “money is no object” Dodgers balked at taking on his deal this past offseason.

The Tigers undoubtedly will have to eat part of the contract. But the good news is the Dodgers still need some help in the starting rotation. So do the surprising New York Yankees and the struggling Boston Red Sox.

Those are three big market teams that may be willing to take on at least a decent portion of Verlander’s salary. And they seem like the type of teams he would consider waiving his no-trade rights for.

The Dodgers in particular are feeling a sense of urgency to return to the World Series for the first time since 1988. They could be an ideal match for a team looking to move into the future.

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