Justin Verlander Landing Spots: MLB insider names two 'top contenders' for All-Star pitcher

Justin Verlander, the legendary pitcher of the Houston Astros, is facing an uncertain future. After a slow start to the 2024 season with the Astros, insiders are speculating about potential trade destinations. While Verlander is still a force, his recent struggles have sparked trade rumors.

MLB insider Jon Heyman named two top contenders in the race to acquire Verlander.

“He has a full no-trade so he can determine if he wants to go and where he wants to go. And I do think there are certain teams he would accept [a trade to]," Heyman said (via Bleacher Report).

“The Cubs are a team he has been interested in in the past … And you know the other team that I think could interest him? The Tigers. He is a legendary Tiger, loved his time and Detroit and it took until the last second to accept that trade to Houston. This is a guy who loves Detroit.”

The potential teams mentioned by Heyman are the Chicago Cubs and the Detroit Tigers. Under new manager Craig Counsell, the Cubs haven’t quite established themselves as a powerhouse but are exceeding expectations. They are second in the NL Central and may have a chance to earn a playoff spot.

The Cubs have a promising young pitching staff, but bringing Verlander into the team would be a great decision, as his experience and leadership would be invaluable to the players.

On the other hand, the Detroit Tigers are not performing that well this year. They sit in fourth place in the AL Central Table. They have played 43 matches till now and have lost 22 of them. Having Verlander on their roster would boost their team’s confidence.

If this trade happens, this would be Verlander's second stint with the Tigers. Earlier, he played 11 and a half seasons with them.

Both teams are closely monitoring the trade deadline and will contest for Verlander once he is available. Justin Verlander has struggled at the beginning of this season. He was put on a 15-day injured list during spring training and started the season on April 16th. He has an ERA of 3.38 and has struck out 23 players this season.

Two other MLB teams are also eyeing Justin Verlander

Jon Heyman has reported that the trade market for Justin Verlander is heating up. According to him, apart from the Cubs and the Tigers, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles could be potential landing spots for the 41-year-old.

“[Verlander] has full no trade, but the guess is he might accept L.A. or (close to hometown) Baltimore,” Heyman said (per Sportsnaut).

The Dodgers seek rotation depth for a playoff push, while the surprising Orioles, who have the best record in the AL, could use Verlander's experience to solidify their pitching staff.