At the top of the Tigers' offseason shopping list, right next to a new shortstop, is a veteran starting pitcher. At the top of Miguel Cabrera's wish list is Justin Verlander.
After Verlander posted a video on Instagram Thursday of hugging his young daughter after a "great throwing session," Miggy dropped by the comments to say, "Come back to you familia the D." He added two hearts and the praying hands emoji for good measure.
If you hadn't heard, Verlander will be a free agent this winter and has thought about pitching for the Tigers again before the end of his career. And he plans to pitch for at least five more years, according to his brother.
And Chris Ilitch and the Tigers are ready to start spending money.
Of course, Verlander hasn't pitched since in almost two seasons due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John last September and he turns 39 in February. The Tigers would have to be mighty confident in his health to offer him the type of deal he'll be looking for.
And Verlander, entering the final stages of his career, would have to be mighty confident in the Tigers' odds of contending in the near future to accept it.
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A lot of moving parts, a lot of unknowns, a lot to be determined. But Verlander is certainly open to a reunion.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about it, Yeah, of course. I loved playing there. I love the city. I love the fans. Yes, I do think about it," he said this summer, via the Free Press. "Ultimately, the decision comes down to what's best for my career. If that aligns with that possibility, then maybe it does."
Worth noting: Verlander sounded very pleased with how he felt on mound on Thursday.
"If you had told me a year and a half ago I would be able to feel this good again ... I woulda called you crazy," he said.