Best Available MLB Players on 2023 Trade Block: Justin Verlander
The 2023 season for the Mets has been an absolute nightmare. Baseball’s richest team is now expected to sell at the trade deadline. They have several pieces to offer, including former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.
The Numbers
Stats as of July 20, 2023: 4-5 W-L, 3.47 ERA, 70 SO, 83 IP
Verlander wasn’t able to join the Mets until May due to a shoulder injury before the season began. Through 14 starts, the 40-year-old ace is still performing at a solid rate. His strikeout and walk rates remain normal for his career, and he’s still hitting the high 90s with his fastball. Father Time always wins, but it hasn’t beaten Verlander just yet.
Potential Destinations
Just like his teammate Max Scherzer, Verlander has a no-trade clause in his contract. As it stands, he has no interest in waiving it and believes he can still help the Mets win a championship. His contract itself plays a big factor, as he’s in year one of a two-year, $86.7 million deal. Verlander proved last year with Houston he’s still an ace, so the trade interest won’t go away.
A reunion with the Astros isn’t out of the question. I’ve mentioned before how badly Houston needs pitching, and they’re no strangers to Verlander’s pitching. The same can be said for the Dodgers and Rays, who have farm systems equipped to make some splashes. Either way, Steve Cohen will have to eat a big chunk of Verlander’s contract to get some decent value out of him on the market.
The Verdict
Just like Scherzer, it seems unlikely Verlander will be traded. Scherzer is willing to waive his no-trade clause, but Verlander said himself he’s committed to the Queens. I wouldn’t rule out a reunion with the Astros. They’ve already won two titles with him on the team and he won the Cy Young just a year ago in Houston. Time will tell, but Verlander is in denial if he thinks the Mets still have a shot at a title this year.
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