Report: Cubs inquired with Tigers about Verlander's availability

The defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs have not lived up to their expectations so far this season. One immediate area where the team is expected to improve via trade is the starting rotation. Cubs scouts are already doing their due diligence.

The Cubs have reportedly checked in on the availability of Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Verlander has been rumored to be a potential trade chip for the Tigers, who are quickly fading in the AL Central race.

A scout was in attendance for Verlander's start on Sunday afternoon against the Cleveland Indians. Verlander didn't have his best stuff, lasting only 3 1/3 innings and allowing seven earned runs on nine hits and three walks in the process. It was also the first time in more than a decade that Verlander failed to record a strikeout.

The season hasn't been kind to Verlander on the whole, posting a career-worst 4.96 ERA and 1.52 WHIP through 17 starts. He wouldn't simply be a rental, either, as he's signed through the end of 2019 with a vesting option in 2020.

The longtime Tigers ace was excellent only a year ago when he went 16-9 with a 3.04 ERA, finishing second in AL Cy Young voting behind Boston Red Sox starter Rick Porcello.

In addition to Verlander, the Cubs also had their eyes on catcher Alex Avila. The team could be looking for a replacement for former backup catcher Miguel Montero, who was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.