Report: Tigers want huge return for Verlander, won't retain salary

The cost to acquire Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander appears to be significantly higher than initially expected.

The club is reportedly looking for a "big, big, big" return for their longtime starter without retaining any of Verlander's remaining salary, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.

Report: Cubs inquired with Tigers about Verlander's availability

Verlander is owed $84 million through the 2019 season ($28 million annually), and while teams have quietly inquired about the veteran, if the Tigers do in fact refuse to eat part of Verlander's salary it would pose a significant challenge for any club interested in his services.

With 10-and-5 rights (10 years major-league service time and five consecutive years with the same team), Verlander also has a full no-trade clause, allowing him to block any potential deal.

Making matters even more difficult, Verlander hasn't performed to his standards through 17 starts this season. The right-hander has posted a 4.37 FIP - his highest since 2006 - and his strikeout percentage has dipped from 28.1 last year to 21.1.