Despite being in the midst of a disastrous season, the New York Mets reportedly have no intention of parting with two of their most interesting trade chips ahead of the 2023 MLB trade deadline.
The New York Mets 2023 campaign so far has been one to forget. The organization with the most expensive roster in the sport is in fourth place in the National League East entering July, and are a whopping eight games out of the final Wild Card spot.
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The team’s performance has been stunning this season since almost all of the same players who helped to win 101 games last season are still on the roster. Yet players like Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso, and Starling Marte — All-Stars in 2022 — have taken major steps back in productivity this summer. With there being little signs of hope that they can turn things around, there has been a lot of speculation the New York Mets could be sellers ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
Last week, owner Steve Cohen suggested trades could be possible but made no promises. Two of the team’s most interesting trade chips are aging aces, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Sure, they are no longer in their prime, but both are both battle-tested stars in the postseason and can certainly be impact players for a contending team. Yet, it seems like the Mets have no interest in moving them this summer.
New York Mets record (2023): 38-46
On Sunday, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported that the organization “has no plans to trade co-aces Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander at the trade deadline.” Nor will they even consider deals for power hitter Pete Alonso. The news is a bit surprising since both would garner serious interest despite the huge amount of money left on their deals.
Justin Verlander is locked in for $43 million next season while Scherzer has a $43 million player option for 2024.
However, when it comes to players the New York Mets likely will move in the next month, Nightengale claims the team will “shop outfielders Tommy Pham and Mark Canha, starter Carlos Carrasco and relievers David Robertson and Brooks Raley” ahead of the August 1 trade deadline.