Dodgers Rumors: Mets Seem More Likely to Hold On to Justin Verlander at Deadline

Justin Verlander may be staying put amid trade deadline rumors

The New York Mets are selling this trade deadline. Sitting at 50-55 on the season, 4th in their division, and 6.5 games out of the Wild Card spot, the Mets are emptying the tank of valuable players.

With players like David Robertson and more notably Max Scherzer already out of New York, many ball clubs have been in talks with the Mets for the 40-year-old ace they signed just this last offseason.

With Justin Verlander, however, the proposed deals in question may not be enough for the Mets to let go of their top guy.

"Teams expecting the type of salary relief that the Mets gave the Texas Rangers for Max Scherzer -- approximately $35 million -- are finding that the Mets are valuing Verlander differently. Trading partners wanting cash in a Verlander trade are finding the prospect ask much higher." (via Andy Martino at SNY)

Verlander got off to a slow 2023 with a 4.80 ERA in May, but the last two months have reminded fans of why the former CY Young winner was a coveted player in the offseason. His last 6 starts have earned him a 4-1 record with a stellar 1.69 ERA.

With many links to the Dodgers this trade deadline, an actual agreement between the two clubs may be farther than some hope. 

High demand for top-tier prospects and pushback to provide salary relief may put the Dodgers in a position to look for starting pitcher help elsewhere this deadline.