Red Sox Reportedly Attempted Blockbuster Deal To Acquire Former Mets Star Pitcher

Would it have made sense for the Red Sox to acquire the future Hall of Famer?

The Boston Red Sox reportedly were looking into making one of the biggest deals ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline.

Boston -- who surprised many with its lack of moves ahead of the trade deadline -- was busy behind the scenes. The Red Sox managed a last-second deal for former Milwaukee Brewers infielder Luis Urías but they were looking into making a much bigger deal. Boston reportedly pursued a deal with the New York Mets for star pitcher Justin Verlander before he was dealt to the Houston Astros, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. 

"The Red Sox were among the teams that got shut out in the thin starting-pitching market, along with the (Los Angeles Dodgers), (Arizona Diamondbacks), (Atlanta Braves) and (Cincinnati Reds)," Rosenthal said. "But according to sources, they were one of the clubs that pursued a deal for the most accomplished starter who did get moved — three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander.

"The Mets ultimately sent Verlander to his preferred choice, his previous team, the Astros. Verlander, who is under contract through next season with a conditional player option for 2025, might not have waived his no-trade clause for any club but Houston. But his career numbers at Fenway Park — a 3.46 ERA in 75 1/3 innings, including two postseason appearances — probably would not have been a deterrent."

If the Red Sox were to have landed the three-time Cy Young Award winner it certainly would have been a surprise. Boston reportedly was in the market for a new starting pitcher, but Verlander is 40 years old and likely wouldn't have penciled into the club's plans beyond this season. Plus, Houston had to send two of its top-five prospects in the deal for Verlander meaning the Mets likely would have pursued someone like shortstop Marcelo Mayer. 

Seeing Verlander take the field at Fenway Park would have been amazing, but the fact that Boston didn't make a move may have made more sense. 

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