Justin Verlander wants to win. He wants to win games. He wants to win a championship. He wants to win the race to become the first arm worth a $200 million contract. While Verlander stresses that he does not play baseball to make the most money, he certainly feels like he deserves to be paid the highest amount.
"I don't play this game to make the most money. But I do feel like it would be nice to be compensated for what I feel like I've been: one of the best, if not the best, the last few years. In my career, I feel like I've been one of the top. But the last two years, I've kind of separated myself, me and a handful of other guys," Verlander said.
Verlander currently has two years remaining on his current five-year, $80 million deal and the pitcher would be willing to listen to Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch about a purposed extension. While Verlander could become a free agent when the contract is up, he would prefer to stay with the Tigers.
"I think free agency is really cool and would be a great experience. I would like to experience it, to be honest with you. But if Detroit comes along and says, 'Hey, here's an offer you can't turn down,' I'm not going to turn it down," Verlander said.
The idea of a $200 million contract came into play after Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez signed a seven-year, $175 million contract prior to spring training. Hernandez is three years younger than Verlander and posted the stats to be worthy of the big deal. But, Verlander over the past two years has proved to be more consistant than Hernandez.
At 30-years old, Verlander is one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball. Since 2011, he won the American League MVP award and ranked first in innings pitched (489 1/3), strikeouts (489), ERA+ (166) and opponent batting average (.205). He ranked second in ERA and opponent OPS to Los Angeles Dodgers' pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw is also in the running to receive the $200 million deal.
The Tigers organization understands that the longer it waits to discuss an extension with Verlander, the more likely he is to test the free agency market. It is certain that right now, Verlander is worth the big money and Detroit would be smart to hold on to him. The only question is, at 30, how much longer will Verlander's arm hold up. While that is not a concern for Verlander, it might a concern for the team having to sign him to more money.