Dodgers Rumors: Acquiring Justin Verlander still in the realm of possibility

One of the biggest names involved in Dodgers rumors was Justin Verlander. Despite the Trade Deadline passing, the 2011 MVP can still join the 2014 MVP.

The Los Angeles Dodgers made huge news during the MLB Trade Deadline by trading for Rangers ace Yu Darvish. Darvish was the subject of many Dodgers rumors before his eventual arrival, with Andrew Friedman capitalizing on a fantastic trade. Los Angeles sent Texas a prospect package that was highlighted by Willie Calhoun, their fourth best prospect.

This trade seemed like a huge win as the Dodgers did not have to give up any of their top three prospects, something that seemed inevitable. Calhoun was a second baseman, that seemed more suited for left field, that really had no path to the majors in LA. Although he can play second or left, Calhoun is better suited for the DH role, something only American League teams offer.

The allure of this deal was multiplied after Darvish’s first appearance as a Dodger. Darvish pitched seven scoreless innings against the New York Mets, striking out ten batters in the process. Now, more than even, these Dodgers look like a super team.

Yet still, despite the Dodgers acquiring the solid right-handed pitcher that they were seeking, more moves could be in the cards in the coming weeks. Another target that was tied in the Dodgers rumors was 2011 AL MVP, Justin Verlander. Despite the deadline passing, Verlander very easily could still be on the Dodgers’ radar.

Verlander cleared revocable waivers for the Tigers, meaning that the veteran right-hander can be traded despite the deadline passing. With Verlander owning a no-trade clause on his contract, he essentially can dictate his future. This leaves the Tigers to try and make out a deal with World Series contenders, giving them a very short list of potential candidates.

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The Cubs, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Yankees, Astros and Dodgers could all benefit from Verlander’s services. However, the biggest hurdle to overcome is Verlander’s massive contract that owes him $78 million from 2018 to 2020.

Despite finishing third in Cy Young voting last season, Verlander has posted a 4.20 ERA across 137 innings pitched. Not terrible numbers, but definitely not worth anything near than $28 million a year.

Although, it should be noted that Verlander would be the direct beneficiary of pitching in Dodger Stadium. Dodger Stadium is a pitcher’s dream and making that move to Dodger Stadium, let alone the National League, would increase Verlander’s worth.

Regardless, Verlander is still owed a lot of money over the next three seasons. Los Angeles has done a great job at shrinking their pay roll, but they still spend the most with a good sum of it either being paid to injured players (Scott Kazmir, Andre Ethier) or to former Dodgers (Carl Crawford, Matt Kemp, Alexander Guerrero).

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Is the chance there that the Dodgers will go out and get Verlander for practically nothing? Absolutely. Adding Verlander would only strengthen their pitching staff further and continue to cement them as baseball’s best. The Dodgers rumors around Verlander certainly are in the realm of possibility, but may not be all that practical.