Justin Verlander has admitted he's thought about a reunion with the Tigers. Question is, does his timeline fit that of his former team?
Because this wouldn't be a reunion for old time's sake. This would be a chance for Verlander and the Tigers to finish what they started in 2006. Verlander turns 39 this offseason, when he'll be a free agent for the first time in his career, and the Tigers still feel a year or two away from legitimate contention. A homecoming likely hinges on how much longer the two-time Cy Young winner plans to pitch -- and how much longer he can pitch well.
"We have certainly talked about it," his brother and former Tigers draft pick Ben Verlander said Thursday on Milwaukee's 1250 The Fan. "My brother still wants to pitch for a long time, five-plus years, and it would just be very poetic for him to end up back there. I don’t know come this offseason if he’s going to end up there, but I do know hopefully down the road it ends up happening.
"It would just be a very poetic end to his incredible career. That city means so much to him and so much to our family and it’d be pretty cool to see that happen."
A timeline of five-plus years leaves the door wide open on a reunion. That might feel like a lofty goal for a guy who hasn't pitched since early last season due to an arm injury that required Tommy John, but when has Verlander ever aimed low? Critics said he was over the hill with the Tigers in 2015, and he finished among the top five for Cy Young each of the next four seasons. Doubt him at your own risk.
A reunion this winter feels a tad premature, even with owner Chris Ilitch ready to spend. But don't discount the sway of A.J. Hinch, who helped Verlander revitalize his career in Houston. Most likely, Verlander signs a short-term deal with a contender and then reassesses things next winter or the one after. If he still has some bullets by then, Hinch and the Tigers should be poised to welcome him home.
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