MLB trade rumors: SF Giants tied to Mets ace Justin Verlander
The New York Mets have been one of the biggest underachievers in MLB this season and have become a noteworthy potential seller leading up to the trade deadline. According to a report by Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the SF Giants are contemplating a pursuit of Mets right-handed starting pitcher Justin Verlander. Verlander would undeniably upgrade the Giants' rotation as the team eyes a deep postseason run.
"Sources: The Giants are among the teams evaluating Justin Verlander as a trade deadline candidate, should he become willing to waive his no-trade clause," Morosi wrote.
Verlander, 40, is almost assuredly heading to the Hall of Fame after his career is over, but the 18-year veteran has remained an excellent starting pitcher late into his career. In fact, he became the fourth-oldest player to win a Cy Young last season with the Houston Astros.
Coming off his third-career Cy Young season, Verlander hit the open market and inked a two-year, $86.7 million contract with the Mets that includes a $35 million vesting option for 2025. Signed to replace departing ace Jacob deGrom, Verlander has been effective this season, posting a 3.47 ERA in 83 innings pitched across 14 starts. However, Verlander's peripherals have trended in the wrong direction.
Both Verlander's strikeout and walk rates would be his worst single-season totals since at least 2018, but even if he is no longer a frontline starter, Verlander has been a solid mid-rotation arm. Plus, given his track record, some teams might believe they can coax one last stretch of elite performance out of him.
There are several potential roadblocks to a Verlander trade. The first is Verlander's contract included a full no-trade clause, which would allow him to block a deal with any team. The second is his exorbitant contract. Inquiring teams will be hesitant to part with any notable prospects given the significant guarantees remaining on his deal. The Mets could agree to pay some of Verlander's contract to improve the return in a deal, but that would also presumably make a trade less enticing to them.
With that said, the Mets also have an exorbitant luxury tax bill. It's not out of the question that they could prioritize moving Justin Verlander to simply cut their payroll, even if they do not net a large return. If SF Giants' president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi is looking to upgrade the team's rotation without parting with any premium prospects, there could be a fit.
