MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported Monday that the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs have been engaged in trade talks involving starting pitcher Justin Verlander and catcher Alex Avila.
Verlander would be the second big-name pitching acquisition for the Cubs after previously landing Jose Quintana from the Chicago White Sox, but Morosi added it is unclear how much progress has been made between the Tigers and Cubbies.
In a separate report, Morosi noted that the Los Angeles Dodgers have shown interest in Verlander, and it may increase depending upon ace Clayton Kershaw's prognosis after he left Sunday's start with back tightness.