Chicago Cubs: Better options loom over Justin Verlander

The Chicago Cubs are said to have inquired on Detroit Tigers’ ace Justin Verlander. So, let’s take a look at the Detroit Tigers’ righty.

We know the Chicago Cubs are scouring the market for starting pitching talent, and that apparently extends to Detroit Tigers‘ ace Justin Verlander.

Well, they inquired, which is not to say trade talks are imminent, or any indication that the Cubs and Tigers would swing a deal, but it always takes two to tango, and it never hurts to ask, right?

You’ll remember Verlander posted one of the more dominant seasons in history when in 2011 he won the pitching Triple Crown, going 24-5, racking up the Cy Young and American League MVP.

Verlander has primarily been a winner nearly each year of his career. With the exception of 2008 and then 2015 when he fought injuries.

The 13-year veteran nearly won another Cy Young last season, going 16-9, posting a 3.04 ERA, pitching his most innings since 2012, (227 2/3), leading the league in WHIP (1.00), his best since 2011 (0.92), and holding opponents’ batting average to .207, the best since 2011 (.192).