One name in particular seems to be experiencing an increase in trade activity.
Several contending teams are interested in trading for the New York Mets’ Justin Verlander.
It is unknown if Verlander will waive his no-trade clause in order to play for another team. Verlander has a no-trade clause.
However, if that’s the case, then a number of teams are considering signing him.
The Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Baltimore Orioles are competitors in the Verlander sweepstakes, according to MLBNetwork’s Jon Morosi.
However, according to Morosi, if any of these teams are unsuccessful in acquiring the three-time Cy Young Award winner and eventual Hall of Famer, they will probably turn to alternative candidates like Jack Flaherty, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Michael Lorenzen.
Update on Justin Verlander:
Sources say the Astros, Dodgers, Braves, and Orioles are all involved.
The same four clubs are engaged on other rotation options; there likely will come a point today when Verlander suitors pivot and find their pitching elsewhere.@MLBNetwork @MLB
Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 1, 2023
Time is running out.
The deadline will arrive soon, at which point trading will cease.
There is still chance for a Verlander deal, though, as there are still a few hours to go.
The four teams mentioned are the ones aggressively pursuing Verlander, according to Morosi.
Before signing with the Mets in October of last year, he assisted the Astros in winning another World Series.
The 40-year-old is currently in the first year of a $86 million, two-year contract.
There is a vesting option in the agreement for 2025 as well.
Verlander would be a controllable front-line starter for any team making a trade, giving them a chance to compete in the postseason.
Whatever happens with Verlander will probably determine how the starting pitching market behaves in the hours to come.