Chicago Cubs rumors: Club still talking to Tigers about trade for Verlander and Avila
Once again, the Chicago Cubs have been connected to a couple of interesting Detroit Tigers players.
With a hot start out of the All-Star break, the Chicago Cubs figure to be buyers ahead of the July 31st MLB trade deadline. The Cubs are in a great position to add to their already impressive group of talent and will undoubtedly be looking to improve their team in many areas.
The Detroit Tigers seem like a strong trading partner for the Chicago Cubs. At 45-53, the Tigers appear to be ready to sell and have many pieces who would be of interest to the Cubs. The two sides have been connected via trade rumors many times in the past month or so. Well, here we again.
Sources: #Tigers, #Cubs continue to have trade discussions; Alex Avila and Justin Verlander are of interest, but extent of progress unclear.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 24, 2017
At this point, I would be surprised if nothing happens between the Cubs and Tigers before the trade deadline. Morosi specifically mentions catcher Alex Avila and starting pitcher Justin Verlander, both of whom would make plenty of sense for the North Siders.
One great fit, one questionable
Avila has been incredible this season, posting a .282/.406/.495 slash-line for the Tigers. He is an absolute force with the bat in his hands, a good defensive catcher and by all accounts, a strong leader in the club house. As a left-handed veteran complement to Willson Contreras, Avila would be a perfect addition for the Cubs.
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Verlander’s fit is a bit trickier, but he would still make plenty of sense on the North Side. Verlander obviously has a ridiculously impressive track record, but he has not pitched well this season. Does he need a change of scenery or is the 34-year-old right-hander losing his touch on the mound? Honestly, it is hard to say for sure, but there is at least some upside and a lot of big-game experience in that right arm.
If nothing else, Verlander would obviously be a major upgrade over John Lackey. However, his contract is a major issue. Verlander is still owed $28 million per season through 2019 and has a $22 million vested option for 2020. With the way he is pitching now, that is a pretty ugly contract.
Asking price has to be low
In order to trade Verlander, the Tigers are going to have to eat some of that money. Even so, I do not think they should expect a huge return. There is just not a big market for a 34-year-old pitcher who is expensive and has not pitched well.
Avila is likely the main target for the Chicago Cubs here. I would not be shocked to see the Cubs take a shot on Verlander, but the move would obviously be risky. I think they would be more interested in paying up a bit more for young left-hander Daniel Norris. The Tigers are not going to want to trade Norris, but the Cubs could put together an offer that would be tough to ignore.
Next: Logical trade ideas for the Cubs at the deadline
Another day, another interesting trade rumor for the Chicago Cubs.