MLB trade rumors: 5 players who should move after deadline

1. Justin Verlander

Trades involving a 34-year-old starting pitcher — who is owed at least $56 million for the next two years — do not get done overnight. Complicating matters is the fact that the Detroit Tigers are reluctant to eat any of Justin Verlander’s remaining salary but also want back an elite package of prospects. There will have to be some give and take if a deal is to come this season.

The fact that Verlander has any trade value is an excellent development for the Tigers, who need to rebuild. He had an ugly year in 2014 and then was only able to make 20 starts in 2015 while battling injuries. Verlander stormed back to nearly win the AL Cy Young last year with a 16-9 record. He led the league in strikeouts and WHIP.

Verlander’s numbers in 2017 are not great. He is just 7-7 with a 4.20 ERA and has not walked this many hitters since his age-25 season. Command has been his biggest issue this year as the velocity still looks elite. Verlander appears to have worked through his mechanics and has a 2.31 ERA over his past six starts while holding opponents to a .212/.273/.370 line. He has struck out 10.2 per nine while walking only three per nine.

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The Houston Astros have re-engaged the Tigers in Verlander talks, and he has cleared waivers. The Astros may have enough motivation to make a push at trading for the Detroit ace. After coming off the disabled list to start the second half, Dallas Keuchel is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts. Lance McCullers is now taking his turn on the DL with a back injury. Regardless of how good their offense is, the Astros may not have enough starting pitching to win the World Series without Keuchel and McCullers showing their first-half form.