The Los Angeles Dodgers have already made two of the biggest moves leading up to the MLB trade deadline. Now, one of the best teams in baseball is reportedly in competition with two other World Series contenders for New York Mets pitcher Justin Verlander.
New York was expected to be one of MLB’s best teams in 2023, operating with the highest payroll in the history of baseball and led by a rotation with Verlander and Max Scherzer. Instead, the Mets have let teams know they’ll be sellers at the trade deadline with Scherzer, Verlander, Mark Canha and Tommy Pham among the players available.
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When MLB trade rumors first surfaced regarding Verlander, a majority of MLB teams believed that the three-time Cy Young Award winner would stay in New York. Furthermore, per Andy Martino of SportsNet New York, the Mets preferred to keep Verlander with the belief that he liked New York and wanted to stay.
However, the number of World Series contenders in need of pitching could change things. The Mets are already involved in active trade talks involving Scherzer and with the front office now fully committed to selling, top suitors are emerging for Verlander.
According to Mike Mayer of Metsmerized, the Mets are receiving “strong interest” in Verlander. New York has reportedly maintained active trade talks with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.
Texas, Los Angeles and Houston aren’t the only teams pursuing the two-time World Series champion. Despite having one of the lowest payrolls in MLB, the Cincinnati Reds are reportedly one of the clubs who has contacted New York regarding Verlander’s availability and the price to acquire him.
Each of the Dodgers, Rangers, Astros and Rangers could afford the cost of acquiring Verlander. When the 2023 season began, MLB.com’s farm system rankings placed the Dodgers second with the Reds fifth and the Rangers seventh in the league. While Houston ranked 27th, its willingness to absorb salary and Verlander’s history with Houston could be a factor because of his no-trade clause.
A season after winning his third Cy Young Award, Verlander hasn’t been quite as dominant on the mound this season. In his age-40 season, the veteran righty has a 3.25 ERA with a .216 batting average allowed and a 20.9 percent strikeout rate.
Related: MLB trade tracker
With Clayton Kershaw on the injured list, Verlander would immediately become the ace for whatever team acquires him. While the no-trade clause provides him with the right to block any deal, the opportunity to return to the Astros or compete for a third World Series ring could be enough incentive for him to approve a trade by Aug. 1.