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MLB Rumors: Justin Verlander trade, Tigers surprise, Brewers 1 step away on Burnes

By Miranda Remaklus

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 20: Justin Verlander #35 of the New York Mets walks in the dugout prior to facing the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 20, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 20: Justin Verlander #35 of the New York Mets walks in the dugout prior to facing the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 20, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Justin Verlander, New York Mets, MLB Rumors. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: Could Mets trade Verlander to reset for 2024?

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen went all-in to land last offseason’s top available starting pitcher, Justin Verlander.

Verlander was signed to a two-year contract worth $86.66 million. Kodai Senga and Jose Quintana were also signed last offseason. They join ace Max Scherzer in the second season of a three-year contract worth $130 million.

The Mets made a massive investment in pitching and have very little show for it. The Mets are 34-40 and in fourth place in the NL East. They are 13.5 games back of the Braves. Things are not looking up for the Mets, who may start looking at the writing on the wall and prepare for next season.

In a recent post on MLB trade deadline targets, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden said of Verlander, “If the Mets don’t turn things around, why not pay down some of Verlander’s contract, trade him to a contender, and reboot for 2024, and beyond?”

While not many teams could afford to take on Verlander’s contract, enough teams are looking for a veteran starting pitcher who can throw strikes and eat innings. If the Mets can even unload some of the contract to a team in contention, it would help them build toward the future. Cohen will likely be picky in where they would trade Verlander, but being able to trade him to a contending team for prospects would help the Mets in future seasons.

Verlander, 40, is a 17-season veteran starting pitcher. He has a career record of 246-137, a 3.26 ERA, 26 complete games, and 3,242 strikeouts over 3,215 innings. He is 2-4 this season over nine games, a 4.50 ERA over 52 innings. He has 44 strikeouts this season.

He is older but got a late start to the season due to injury. The way the Mets have started their season is not helping Verlander. They might be able to help him, and themselves, with the right trade opportunity.

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