MLB Trade Deadline 2023: End Date and Fresh Rumors | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Daniel Foster Pitchers seem to be drawing the most interest ahead of the deadline, and New York Mets standout Justin Verlander has begun to create some buzz as well.
Adding Verlander would be a huge move by the Giants, who are only a handful of games out of first in the NL West. However, there are several obstacles that could prevent them from making the move.
The first is that New York might not view itself as a seller ahead of the deadline. Despite spending big on players like Verlander over the winter, the Mets have to seriously consider whether a playoff push is realistic.
"For the better part of a month, the drumbeat in Queens has justifiably been to sell. The Mets have played better in July but still not good enough to make up for their moribund June," The Athletic's Tim Britton wrote.
There's a lot of season left, and if New York believes it can turn things around in a hurry—or at least, put together a strong 2024 roster—it may not look to offload its centerpieces.
The other problem for teams like San Francisco is that Verlander's two-year, $86.7 million contract came with a full no-trade clause. If the 40-year-old doesn't want to leave, he won't, and he has publicly expressed his desire to remain a Met.
"I remain committed to trying to win a championship here," Verlander told The Athletic's Will Sammon.
The right offer and the right opportunity, however, could change everything, so Verlander will remain a player to watch.