Verlander realistic talking about trade

DETROIT — Justin Verlander is a rarity in baseball these days — a veteran in his 13th season who has played for only one franchise.

His future in Detroit, once so secure, has become increasingly uncertain.

“Even though I think of this organization as family, you always know that there is that underlying business tone,” Verlander said. “This isn’t just kind of happy go lucky. This is an organization that needs to be run.”

With the Tigers languishing below .500, the next few weeks could be a tumultuous stretch in Detroit. The team was already planning to cut payroll before next season, and if the Tigers don’t show some real signs of contending soon, the pressure will be on General Manager Al Avila to trade some of his biggest stars and get something in return, including Verlander, 34.

“Obviously, where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” Verlander said before Wednesday night’s game against San Francisco. “It’s not completely out of the realm of possibility.”

Verlander made his debut for the Tigers in 2005. He won the American League MVP and Cy Young Award in 2011. The right-hander has been a fan favorite in Detroit, and he has the right to block any trade. Of course, a deal this month would presumably send him to a contending team and give Verlander a better chance to win an elusive World Series ring.

“It’s just the way sports are now,” Verlander said.

Verlander’s trade value is a complex question. He’s 5-5 with a 4.96 ERA this year, and he’s at an age when a decline like that can be particularly worrisome. But Verlander experienced a resurgence last season, finishing a close second in the Cy Young vote .