Report: Verlander unlikely to be traded unless Tigers retain salary

If the Detroit Tigers are going to trade Justin Verlander this season, it's likely going to cost them.

While the Tigers would reportedly be open to trading the right-hander if they become sellers ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline, it's unlikely that the club will be able to deal him unless it retains a large portion of his remaining salary, Jon Morosi said Wednesday on MLB Network.

Verlander has two years and $56 million remaining on a contract that also contains a $22-million vesting option for 2020, which kicks in if he finishes in the top five of 2019 Cy Young voting. Verlander's contract also includes a full no-trade clause.

Further complicating the Tigers' ability to shop Verlander is the fact that he's struggled. Last year's American League Cy Young award runner-up is 4-4 with a 4.50 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 14 starts.

Morosi believes clubs like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros could be interested in Verlander if the cost is right.