According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports, the Detroit Tigers are optimistic that they will sign pitcher Justin Verlander to a long-term contract extension.

Verlander’s camp is using Felix Hernandez’s five-year, $78 million deal as a reference point in their negotiations. It was reported that Verlander is seeking a sixth year. Morosi says that a five-year deal with more money than Hernandez could convince Verlander to sign.

Verlander, 27 in February, has a 65-43 record over five seasons with the Tigers. He was 19-9 with a 3.45 ERA and 269 strikeouts in 2009. You can see Verlander’s contract history and statistics here.