NEW YORK _ Justin Verlander will remain a Detroit Tiger.
After weeks worth of trade speculation regarding their ace right-hander, the Tigers did not receive the kind of offer before Monday's non-waiver trade deadline to part with him.
He will not be traded, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
It was the most sensitive of situations for general manager Al Avila, who was faced with a trade market that was not willing to take on Verlander's contract: He is owed roughly $66 million through 2019. In order for the Tigers to have traded Verlander _ a face of the franchise _ they would have needed a sizable prospect return while not eating too much of that contract. Though teams were interested, there were too many obstacles to hurdle.
Don't discount an August trade, however unlikely: Verlander likely will clear waivers, which would open the possibility of a trade but traditionally, big names do not get moved in August.
The team is also open to discussions in the future _ this winter and approaching the trade deadline next offseason _ at a time in which more money would be lopped off his current contract and perhaps, his performance could dictate the kind of return the Tigers are seeking.
