MLB trade rumors: Did the Tigers pitch Michael Fulmer in a salary dump package?

While the Tigers are openly shopping pitchers Justin Wilson and Justin Verlander, things are not quite as clear for Detroit's ace Michael Fulmer. The New York Post's Joel Sherman reports that executives across the league have conflicting reports on Fulmer's availability, with one executive relaying that the Tigers would make the right-hander available if a club was willing to take on one of Detroit's hefty contracts.

Though the Tigers would love to move one of their bad contracts, like pitcher Justin Zimmerman or outfielder Justin Upton, this may not be the best route to maximizing Fulmer's value. Fulmer, 24, has become one of the best pitchers in the American League with a 3.19 ERA in his first 46 big league starts. The 2015 AL Rookie of the Year has accrued less than two full years of service time, and is under team control through 2022.

Both the Cubs and Brewers have expressed interest in Verlander, yet his $70 million owed through 2019 is a sizable obstacle. However, a deal could come to fruition if the club is willing to eat salary or work on a package deal with fellow trade chips Wilson and catcher Alex Avila.

Detroit began their selloff by moving J.D. Martinez to the Diamondbacks for a package of three minor leaguers headlined by infielder Dawel Lugo. For a full set of all this summer's deadline trades, click here.