With Max Scherzer Dealt to Texas, New York Mets Listening On Justin Verlander

Max Scherzer is now a member of the Texas Rangers, and the question is will Justin Verlander follow him out the door?

When the Mets completed a blockbuster trade with the Rangers to send Scherzer to Texas for No. 3 overall prospect Luisangel Acuna, the brother of Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr., it sent shock-waves through Major League Baseball.

A day later those shock-waves are still being felt. As for Scherzer, he told the media on Friday that he wanted to speak to the front office about the direction of the team. A day later he was on his way to Texas.

Scherzer waved his no-trade clause, and opted-in to his 2024 player option to remain a Ranger next season.

The Mets in turn will pay down $35 million of the $58 million Scherzer is owed the next year and a half, with the Rangers picking up only $22.5 million.

Even with the trade of Scherzer, GM Billy Eppler stressed that the Mets are not in a fire-sale mode, and they are not punting on being a competitive team in 2024.

As was pointed out by Joel Sherman of the New York Post on Sunday, Steve Cohen -- the richest owner in baseball -- the Mets are proving they are willing to eat large contracts in order to improve from within, and Cohen has no problem with both retooling the team and playing to win.

The questions though abound for those who remain. Will Verlander get dealt on the first year of a three-year deal? Will it be someone else?

Brandon Nimmo sounded like Scherzer when he told reporters Saturday he wanted to speak with the front office. Nimmo just recently signed an eight-year, $162 million pact with the Mets this past winter.

Meanwhile, Verlander stressed he wanted to remain a Met but understood if the organization goes in another direction.

SNY's Andy Martino reported Sunday that while the Mets are listening to offers for Verlander, who won his 250th career game on Sunday, they might end up holding on to him once the deadline passes. Verlander has pitched very well of late. He owns a 1.69 ERA in July.  So the asking price would be high for any team to acquire him.

What will the Mets do? That is a huge question, and with the unpredictability of Steve Cohen, we all wait to find out.

Most of the time, if you're traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that's good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don't always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it's important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver's license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we've got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don't have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you're a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don't need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It's worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there's this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn't compliant with this Act, you'll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

If you're craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won't need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it's important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.