Astros, Mets Engaged in Trade Talks About Justin Verlander

After trading Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers, could the New York Mets deal their other ace ahead of the deadline?

According to Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Mets and Houston Astros remain engaged in trade talks regarding future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander.

Verlander pitched for the Astros from 2017-2022 and helped them capture two World Series titles.

Verlander, 40, has some say as to where he winds up since he has a full no-trade clause in his contract. There is some belief that he would waive his no-trade clause to return to Houston.

In addition to the Astros, the Mets have been talking to the Los Angeles Dodgers about Verlander.

The Dodgers, of course, have a stronger farm system than the Astros. And Jack Harris of The LA Times says the Mets like Dodgers young starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan.

There are some hurdles to Verlander getting dealt, in addition to his no-trade clause. He is making $43.33 million this season, $43.33 million next season and has a $35 million vesting option in 2025, which automatically kicks in if he hits 140 innings next year.

The Mets paid $35 million of Scherzer's salary in their trade with Texas in order to land top prospect Luisangel Acuna, superstar Ronald Acuna Jr.'s baby brother.

The Mets are said to be valuing Verlander much higher because he is pitching better this season. New York should be able to land at least one top prospect, if not multiple in exchange for Verlander.

However, if the Mets do trade Verlander, they will be without an ace atop their rotation heading into the offseason.

Time will tell whether the Mets deal Verlander, but he is drawing interest from the Astros and Dodgers.