MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades Yankees should make

4. Trade for Justin Verlander

The Detroit Tigers have flirted with a World Series title several times over the past decade, but have missed the postseason two years in a row, and appear to be headed for No. 3. The Tigers entered their weekend series six games out in the AL Central and 5.5 games back in the AL Wild Card race.

While neither deficit is insurmountable, Detroit hasn’t looked like a playoff contender this year. And, as the veteran roster core – Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler, Victor Martinez, Justin Verlander and Jordan Zimmermann – continues to age, there’s not much hope for 2018 and beyond, either.

Therefore, instead of adding more money to the payroll, we have finally seen evidence Detroit might be willing to part with some of its high-priced veteran players in order to rejuvenate its old roster.

Cabrera, a future Hall of Famer, probably isn’t going anywhere, but every other position player might be available. Verlander, like Cabrera, has been a franchise cornerstone, and unlike the former Marlin, is a lifelong Tiger. Nevertheless, the 34-year-old former Cy Young Award winner and AL MVP might be willing to leave Motown for a change of scenery (and had been linked to the Cubs earlier this month). And everyone looks good in pinstripes.

It might do him some good, too. In 19 starts this season, Verlander is 5-7 with a 4.66 ERA, with 103 strikeouts and an uncharacteristic 54 walks in 110 innings.

It’s worth noting that Michael Fulmer has been linked to trade speculation. The reigning AL Rookie of the Year would certainly qualify as one of the 25 best players available on the trade market, but the Tigers would be fools for parting with the 24-year-old. Fulmer, who has a 3.35 ERA and 3.33 FIP in 19 starts this season, ranks sixth in the majors and fourth in the American League with 3.3 fWAR.