Report: Cubs asked Tigers about Fulmer, Norris

The Chicago Cubs have been linked to Justin Verlander leading up to the non-waiver trade deadline, but it may be a pair of younger Detroit Tigers starters that the reigning World Series champions are really interested in.

In need of rotation help, the Cubs reportedly asked the Tigers about right-hander Michael Fulmer and left-hander Daniel Norris, according to Peter Gammons of Gammons Daily.

The Tigers sit nine games under. 500 at the All-Star break and will likely head into the non-waiver deadline as sellers. Loaded with a number of high-priced veterans, it's expected general manager Al Avila will wish to trade the likes of Ian Kinsler, J.D. Martinez, Verlander, Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera, and Justin Upton over young, controllable assets such as Fulmer and Norris.

Fulmer is the reigning American League Rookie of the Year and is representing the Tigers at the All-Star Game on Tuesday. The 24-year-old is 9-6 with a 3.19 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 17 starts this season and is under team control through 2023. Norris has endured his struggles early on in his career, posting a 5.29 ERA in 16 starts this season, but at 24 years old, he remains a significant part of the Tigers' future.

Chicago's rotation was one of the main reasons why the team won the World Series last season, but this year has been a completely different story. Cubs starters rank 17th in the majors with a 4.66 ERA and the front office will likely seek to acquire at least one starter prior to the deadline.

The Cubs reportedly inquired about Verlander earlier this month, though one team official told Gammons that Chicago isn't willing to take on his full salary in a trade - approximately $70 million through the 2019 season. It's believed the Tigers are seeking a package of players, and aren't willing to eat any salary in a Verlander deal.