Tigers’ Justin Verlander says he’s ‘too old to rebuild’

As an offseason that began with rampant speculation about the Detroit Tigers’ future plans winds down, the team finds itself fundamentally unchanged, rather than radically rebuilt. And while no real rumors ever developed around Tigers ace Justin Verlander, he was certainly paying attention.

Verlander was a guest on MLB Radio this morning to talk about the offseason trade rumors.

The segment is brief, but Verlander hits on a host of topics. He discusses what the Tigers told him before the offseason about their plans, and expresses his trust in the Ilitch family to continue put a good team on the field. He also goes on to discuss his younger partners in the Tigers’ rotation, and his enthusiasm for their growth as part of the team’s hopes in 2017.

The money quote involves Verlander discussing his 10-and-5 rights, and how lucky and rare it is to have spent his whole year with the same franchise. Verlander says that he loves Detroit, and while he admits all the talk had him thinking, he’s still very confident that he can win with the Tigers.

It sounds like he is glad to have the uncertainty behind him as he ramps up his preparations for the 2017 season.