Chicago Cubs Rumors: Your midday MLB Trade Deadline update

Verlander staying put after all

For a good long while, it looked like Justin Verlander would be a Cub – somehow.

Chicago Cubs

But the two sides couldn’t iron out a deal – and instead, Chicago added Avila and Wilson from the Tigers. It appears, though, as if no other clubs could come to terms with a deal for the right-hander either, as multiple outlets report he will stay with the team this year.

As of Monday morning, according to Jon Morosi, no talks involving Verlander were active. Given he has a full no-trade clause, this sure makes it seem like the veteran will be spending at least the next few months in Detroit.

Given his contract and work load over his career), asking for salary relief and top prospects seemed like a lot. I mentioned this last week and we covered the rumors pretty extensively, going so far as to say it would be a terrible move for the Cubs.

That’s far from saying he has nothing left, though. If the Tigers are willing to level out their asking price and find more balance, he could give a boost to a starting rotation. He’s yet to hit 35 and may be one of the most highly sought-after arms of the winter.

But, for now, he’s staying put in the Motor City.

Next: Cubs complete deal for Wilson, Avila from Tigers