8:39AM Monday
March 11, 2013

Justin Verlander told CNN's Carol Costello that "I don't think one of our players would scared to come out," when Costello asked Verlander about the prospect of having a gay teammate.

That question was part of an interview Costello conducted with Verlander for CNN's "Newsroom".

Verlander chatted with Costello about the prospect of receiving a new contract in excess of Felix Hernandez's $200 million deal (Verlander certainly sounded like he wanted to top that), as well as his goals for the season. But between those two topics, Costello shifted the conversation to a more serious note, asking Verlander if he believed there were any gay players in baseball.

"I'm sure there are," Verlander said. "I think, as with any sport, a gay player would probably be hesitant to come out. But sheer numbers say that there absolutely is."

Costello then asked if, in the near future, a Major League Baseball player will announce that he's gay during his playing career.

"I don't see why not," Verla