Report: Astros have contacted Tigers about possible Verlander trade

The first-place Houston Astros didn't acquire any major pieces ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline, drawing the ire of ace Dallas Keuchel for their "disappointing" haul last Monday, but general manager Jeff Luhnow isn't necessarily done wheeling and dealing.

In the last week, the Astros have had contact with the Detroit Tigers about a possible trade for veteran right-hander Justin Verlander, sources told Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, though it's unclear if there's any momentum building toward a deal.

While August trades can be difficult to pull off, it appears one hurdle has been cleared. Verlander, whose contract guarantees him another $64.4 million over the next two seasons, cleared waivers Friday, according to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press, meaning that the Tigers are now free to shop him as they would've prior to last Monday's deadline.

Verlander also has complete no-trade rights, however, as a 10-and-5 player, so any potential deal will have to be approved by the six-time All-Star. As well, to be eligible for another team's playoff roster, Verlander must be traded by Aug. 31.

With right-hander Lance McCullers sidelined by a back injury, and manager A.J. Hinch seemingly keen to move Brad Peacock back to the bullpen, it's no surprise the Astros remain linked to the former MVP.

After finishing second in American League Cy Young voting last season, Verlander has regressed a bit in 2017, managing a 4.20 ERA (104 ERA+) and 1.41 WHIP in 23 starts, but the 34-year-old has been dominant of late. Over his last six outings, Verlander owns a 2.31 ERA and 1.13 WHIP, holding opponents to a .212 average while posting a 27.3 percent strikeout rate across 39 innings.