MLB Rumors: Sticky stuff scandal strikes Justin Verlander as trade talks heat up

MLB Rumors: The New York Mets are more willing to trade Justin Verlander as the deadline approaches. However, a report on ‘sticky stuff’ from The Athletic could bring everything to a halt. 

Justin Verlander, now 40, is one of the top starting pitchers on the market. He has another season left on his deal, and he’s likely a future Hall of Famer. Verlander loves New York — his family has relocated there — but he also wants to win.

Per Mark Feinsand, New York has been more open to a possible Verlander trade in the last few days. He’s arguably their best remaining trade asset.

On Friday, a report by The Athletic published allegations from a former Angels clubhouse attendant, Bubba Harkins, who claimed he “provided the homemade sticky substance to about 20 pitchers annually, including those from visiting teams such as Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander.” Harkins allegedly learned how to make the sticky substance from Angels closer Troy Percival.

MLB Rumors: Could sticky stuff impact Justin Verlander’s value?

Harkins is set to receive his day in court, as he filed a defamation suit against the Angels and MLB. On Monday in the Orange County Superior Court, Harkins will argue that the substance he made wasn’t technically illegal, and that he was used as a scapegoat by both organizations in their ongoing battle to level the playing field.

Harkins was fired after decades with the team. While it’s alleged he provided sticky stuff to Cole and Verlander, two prominent Cy Young winners, it all must be taken with a grain of salt given the allegations have been passed via word of mouth.

Cole, for one, is one of the faces of the ‘sticky stuff’ movement. Baseball’s crackdown doesn’t seem to have impact him that much, as Cole is one of the best pitchers in the American League.

Verlander, meanwhile, won the AL Cy Young just last season with the Astros two years after Harkins was let go. It’s unlikely he is still using any so-called substance, as umpires have been instructed to crack down on such activities.