Dodgers Rumors: Astros May Be Front Runners in Justin Verlander Sweepstakes

Verlander could be returning to the Astros over coming to LA.

Hours from now, the 2023 trade deadline will have come and gone and there may be a new player or two wearing "Dodgers" across their chest. One of the bigger names that's been heavily linked over the last 24-36 hours is three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander. 

The Mets seem less gung-ho about trading Verlander than they were about sending Max Scherzer out of town over the weekend. But, for the right deal, it seems they are still listening.

Reports late on Monday night said, yes, the Dodgers are still in the mix. However, the Astros may have emerged as frontrunners, if the ace is moved at all.

SNY reporter Andy Martino said on Monday that if Houston gets aggressive in their trade package, they could pull Verlander. But it didn't seem like a trade was close at the time.

Verlander is the clear top trade target left for the Dodgers. The starting rotation is an Achilles heel for the team, coming off a July where they posted a 6.18 ERA as a staff.

If not Verlander, the club seems inclined to explore a deal with the Tigers for Eduardo Rodriguez or possibly the Cardinals for Jack Flaherty. They're also reportedly fine holding on to their bounty of prospects if the right deal doesn't materialize. 

One hangup for LA with Verlander from the Mets is the nature of his contract. He's on the hook for $43 million in 2024 and has a vesting option that could convert to a $35 million player option for 2025 if he surpasses 140 innings next season. He will turn 42 years old during the 2025 season.