The New York Mets entered the 2022 season expecting Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer to carry them on a postseason run. Months later, Verlander and Scherzer are two of the most popular names in MLB trade rumors leading up to the deadline.
New York faces extremely long odds of making the playoffs. Entering MLB games today, the Mets are seven games back of the third wild card spot in the National League. With multiple contenders already making moves and reliever David Robertson traded, New York has fully committed to selling at the deadline.
Related: MLB trade tracker
- Max Scherzer stats (2023): 4.20 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 10.2 K/9, 1.19 WHIP, .239 batting average allowed in 100.2 innings pitched
However, this isn’t a total firesale for New York. The Mets are keeping some of their best players, including Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor. While they aren’t available, a lot of MLB teams are reportedly calling about Verlander and Scherzer with different feedback on both starters.
According to Andy Martino of SportsNet New York, Scherzer is viewed as the least likely of the two to move. Notably, per Feinsand’s sources, the reason is that MLB teams that have scouted Scherzer believe the quality of his pitches isn’t what it used to be.
- Max Scherzer contract: $43.333 million salary in 2023, $43.333 million player option in 2024
Between the lesser evaluation teams have on Scherzer and the hesitancy front offices have to add a massive salary at the trade deadline, the future Hall of Famer is likely staying in New York. As for Verlander, the circumstances are a bit more complicated.
Will the New York Mets trade Justin Verlander?
New York has received calls on Justin Verlander and engaged in trade talks with multiple teams. Reports indicate that the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros are among the MLB teams interested in the Cy Young Award winner.
- Justin Verlander contract: $43.333 million salary (2023), $43.333 million salary (2024), $35 million vesting option for 2025 (vests with 140 innings pitched in 2024)
Related: MLB stadium rankings
According to Martino, Verlander is generating “moderate” interest but executives around the league believe it’s far from a given that he is traded. The Mets remain very high on Scherzer and believe both he and his family would happily stay in New York next season if given the choice.
Even if the Mets come to an agreement with another club, Verlander controls the process. The veteran holds a no-trade clause and thus far hasn’t expressed a desire to be moved, despite where New York sits in the latest MLB standings.
- Justin Verlander stats (2023): 3.24 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, 1.15 WHIP, .216 batting average allowed in 89 innings pitched
For the time being, the Mets are focused on trading Jose Quintana, Mark Canha, Tommy Pham and reliever Adam Ottavino could also be moved. However, the possibility remains that an aggressive buyer willing to take on Verlander’s contract will land New York’s ace by Aug. 1.
