Surprise Club Reportedly Pursuing Trade For Star Mets Pitcher Justin Verlander

New York could be approaching a blockbuster trade with a surprise club

Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets already have made one blockbuster trade this season. Could another one be on the way?

New York has been a disappointment this season and it has resulted in the club deciding to be sellers ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline. The Mets already sent three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers and fellow star Justin Verlander could be on the move as well. Verlander's name has been in trade rumors for weeks, although the righty has made it known that he doesn't want to be traded.

It's unclear exactly what will happen with the future Hall of Famer, but one surprising team that reportedly has an interest in a trade is the Baltimore Orioles, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. 

"The Orioles are among the teams actively pursuing a Justin Verlander trade with the Mets on deadline day, a source confirms," Morosi said. "The O’s are engaged on pitching with multiple sellers, including the Tigers."

Verlander has drawn widespread trade interest over the last few weeks. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros have seemed like the most likely landing spots if the Mets decided to trade Verlander, but Baltimore may be more of an attractive fit for New York. The Orioles have one of the best farm systems in all of baseball and the starting pitching market has been out of control this season. New York likely could bring in a serious haul for Verlander -- despite his high salary -- and the Orioles may have the best prospects available.

Baltimore has been surprising this season and currently has the best record in the American League. If the Orioles feel like they can compete for a World Series title this season, why not go all-in and nab a star like Verlander?