Trade Deadline Today As Mets Weigh Options On Potential Justin Verlander Deal
Will they or won’t they?
Today is the final day of the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, and there is plenty of interest swirling around the New York Mets and Justin Verlander.
So far the Mets have dealt Mark Canha to the Milwaukee Brewers for minor league pitcher Justin Jarvis; shipped Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers for minor leaguer Luisangel Acuna, and sent David Robertson down to Miami for two prospects, Verlander appears to be next.
New: Justin Verlander talks with multiple clubs picked up steam by end of day yesterday. Houston and at least one other team has made an offer. Significant interest from at least 2-3 other clubs.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) August 1, 2023
SNY’s Andy Martino reported Tuesday that the LA Dodgers and Houston Astros have both been linked in trade talks with the Mets for the former Cy Young Award winner. There is also a mystery team involved: the Baltimore Orioles. According to Martino, the Orioles have eight of the top 100 prospects in baseball in their farm system. The Mets, who are desperately trying to replenish their own system might have a fit with the O’s.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network also believes the Atlanta Braves are also in the mix for Verlander.
Update on Justin Verlander:
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 1, 2023
Sources say the Astros, Dodgers, Braves, and Orioles are all involved.
The same four clubs are engaged on other rotation options; there likely will come a point today when Verlander suitors pivot and find their pitching elsewhere.@MLBNetwork @MLB
Of course, there is a lot of red tape. Namely, Verlander’s contract, which has a $35 million vesting option in 2025, coupled with the fact that Verlander has a full no-trade clause.
Verlander has been pitching extremely well of late. He pitched to a 1.69 ERA in 37.1 innings of work in the month of July alone. After starting the year on the wrong foot due to injury, Verlander has been solid for the Mets, even at the age of 40 years old.
When pressed by members of the media on Sunday, Verlander stressed that he would like to remain a Met, but if the team’s goal of winning has shifted he would be open to a deal.
"I'm committed to try and win a championship here, but if the organization decides that that's not the direction that's best fit for next year, I'd be open to it"
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 30, 2023
- Justin Verlander on if he would waive his no-trade clause pic.twitter.com/X35MzmFOXb
General Manager also stated that the Mets are not rebuilding, and plan to be competitive in 2024.
Verlander has one year left on his contract at $43.3 million. Should the Mets deal him, they would likely have to pay down a large portion of that salary, which they did in the Max Scherzer and Mark Canha deals, respectively.
12 Of The Most Unique MLB Stadium Attractions
The Pool at Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks
Behind the outfield wall at Chase Field, there’s a pool area. From here, you can see the entire game. At the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, you can take in a National League West game while going for a swim. The area accommodates 35 people.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
The Green Monster Seats at Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox
You surely know all about the infamous Green Monster left field wall at Fenway Park, but did you know you can sit on top of it? There are 269 seats available for Red Sox ticket purchase. This area is a common spot for lucky fans to catch a home run ball.
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
McCovey Cove at AT&T Park - San Francisco Giants
If you want to kayak up against the outfield wall of a picturesque stadium, McCovey Cove in San Francisco is your spot. While its common to see boats overshadowing right field, this is also a common spot for those looking to catch a memorable home run ball.
Michael Heiman/Getty Images
The Ivy at Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs
“There’s magic in the ivy and the old scoreboard,” Eddie Vedder sings in his Cubs tribute song “All The Way.” The legendary ivy covering the outfield walls at Wrigley might arguably be the most iconic ballpark look of all.
Brian Kersey/Getty Images
Touch Tank at Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays
A tank containing real live stingrays rests within the outfield of the stadium. This is a 35 foot, 10,000 gallon exhibit that is in partnership with the Florida Aquarium.
Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
The Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park - Miami Marlins
Along the main concourse in center field, there’s the Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park in Miami. This is the home of over 500 bobbleheads that are enclosed behind glass. While many of these are MLB and minor league players, a section includes entertainers and special giveaways the Marlins have done.
Jason Arnold/Getty Images
The Fountains at Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City Royals
The city fountains are well represented at the home of the Royals. The fountains in outfield are 322 feet wide. They can change colors and offer a magnificent display. Select 200 level seats near the fountains can be purchased. There are eight programmed fountain shows, where 600 nozzles can launch into 150 combinations of effects.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
The Rockpile at Coors Field - Colorado Rockies
You can sit high above centerfield in Colorado. The Rockpile offers $4 select tickets. It’s a bleacher style seating, giving you a true Rocky Mountain feel.
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
