One AL East team is eyeing Justin Verlander in a trade with the Mets on MLB trade deadline day. It would make them a World Series force.
MLB trade deadline day is here, and the rumors are flying with full force after multiple deals went down on Monday. Before the deadline hits at 6 p.m. today, expect plenty more.
No fate is more anticipated than that of Mets starting pitcher Justin Verlander. After Max Scherzer's trade, the Mets could easily go one of two directions with Verlander: They could choose to keep him and simply retool their rotation a bit next season to jump back in the competitor's pool, or they could trade him and further stockpile their prospect pipeline.
Verlander, who has a no-trade clause, seems to want to stay in Queens, but has been rumored to be open to waiving the clause to get to a competitor.
Orioles have emerged in Justin Verlander pursuit
The Baltimore Orioles, once thought to be one of the possible players in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes due to their massive stockpile of prospects, are now engaged in a pursuit of Verlander according to Jon Morosi. This comes after Morosi tossed the Orioles out as a speculative team to watch. Now, they're more than just putting their toe in the water.
Baltimore has emerged from a cute story to a legitimate playoff threat this year. Currently, they hold a 1.5-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays and look as though they are the definitively best team in the AL East, if not the American League as a whole.
Without Verlander, the Orioles could compete in the playoffs. With Verlander, they could be considered a World Series dark horse, and that's before consideration of other moves they could also make today before the deadline hits.
On Verlander's side, it's impossible to say whether or not he would be agreeable to waiving his no-trade clause for Baltimore. They are a competitor, but a new one. They have not been positioned for the playoffs in years, last seen in the postseason in 2016. Verlander might have some pause over the longevity of the team's ability to build.
Baltimore has a massive advantage over the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers, though: Location. Verlander chose New York and wants to be there alongside his family. Baltimore isn't New York, but it isn't far, stationed within the Northeast Corridor that is easily traversed with a quick flight or a longer Amtrak or car ride.
Yesterday, an insider speculated that no team but the Dodgers would be able to afford Verlander's contract unless the Mets were willing to pay a sizable portion of his salary. To do that, they would need to get a haul of prospects in return. Baltimore can offer that, as they have a startling eight prospects in the MLB's Top 100, including the overall top-rated, shortstop Jackson Holliday.
It'll be interesting to see where Verlander goes, but my money is still on him staying in New York.