He never wanted to leave.
August 31, 2017
The Tigers are 58-74 and drowning, a long rebuild already underway.
The Astros are 80-53 and World Series favorites.
1 hour before the trade deadline, Justin Verlander is at dinner with his fiancée Kate Upton in Birmingham.
He receives a call saying he's been traded to Houston...pending his approval.
Verlander blocks the trade, telling GM Al Avila and his agent that he doesn't want to leave Detroit.
Dallas Keuchel, still in his Cy Young prime, calls and begs Verlander to reconsider.
Verlander finally relents at 11:59 PM.
MLB receives the fax at 11:59:58...
...2 seconds before the deadline.
Justin Verlander is a rare superstar who genuinely loved his city and its fans.
Welcome home.