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…

JUPITER, FL – MARCH 04: Justin Verlander #35 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins in the first inning at Roger Dean Stadium on March 4, 2023 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/Getty Images)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Major League Baseball has a deep respect for their game's rich history. Attending a ballgame can be a great experience that allows fans to marvel at baseball culture. Furthermore, most MLB parks have designed stadium attractions that make them unique amongst the 30 venues in the league.
From museums to bodies of water to fan-zone fun, the MLB stadiums across the country each have something that is representative of their character. Often you will find baseball enthusiasts track how many ballparks they have been to. In addition, it is common for fans to build trips to other cities to have a new MLB park experience.
MLB is the only professional sport in the country where each team has its own dedicated stadium. For example, in the NFL, the Jets and Giants share Metlife Stadium. Many NBA team share their home arena with the NHL team in their city. In professional baseball, each of the 30 teams has their own home field that is theirs alone. This enables the organization to build more character specific to the club.
The interior of an MLB ballpark is all about the players. Though there is a mysterious aura about the clubhouse, given that they are underground. The common thread in modern-day construction is centered around the ballclub. The intent is to make each clubhouse comfortable, hi-tech, and private for the players and coaches. The rest of the stadium is all about the fan experience.
Inside The Park
Here, we will look at some of the most unique MLB stadium attractions. Each is representative of their city and team history. They provide character to the ballpark. In many cases, these features make the park a landmark in their home state.
If you want to take in an MLB game in a ballpark you have not visited yet, here are some attractions to consider.
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.
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.
The Museum at Yankee Stadium - New York Yankees
Hundreds of signed baseballs by Yankee greats, plagues, and statues are just some of the incredible monuments in the museum at Yankee Stadium. Some of the exhibits rotate, but "Yankees by the numbers" jerseys, World Series rings, and trophies are always on display.
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.
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.
The Park at Petco Park - San Diego Padres
Technically it's called Gallagher Square, but the Park at Petco Park is located outside the outfield walls but inside the gates of the stadium. You need a ticket on gameday to access this space, which has mini fields and a statue of the late Padres great Tony Gwynn.
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.
The Train at Minute Made Park - Houston Astros
15-foot-high and 56-foot-long replica of an 1862 steam locomotive goes for a ride each time the Astros hit a home run. Sitting 90 feet above the field, you will hear this train go for a 40 second ride back and forth. This area of the park used to be Union Station, which is why the train was brought in as an attraction in 2000. It is driven by Bobby Dynamite.
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.
Bernie Brewer's Slide at American Family Field - Milwaukee Brewers
When the Brewers hit a home run, their mascot Bernie slides down a giant yellow slide out of his outfield treehouse. Fans can take a ride down as well. Tickets are available for purchase for some pre-game fun ($150-$175).
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.
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.