The Mets have already unloaded veterans Eduardo Escobar and David Robertson via trade; the firestorm is under way. But should GM Billy Eppler also deal ace Justin Verlander?

The rumors are already swirling: Could veteran ace Justin Verlander be heading to the hard-hitting Texas Rangers?

Better yet, should the Mets even entertain the idea of trading one of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball?

Let's dive in and take a much closer look at the variables of this sticky situation.

NY Mets: The case for keeping Justin Verlander

It feels like Mets fans have been complaining about Verlander and Max Scherzer all season long, but are they truly aware of the reality of the situation?

Justin Verlander has the sixth-best ERA (3.24) in the National League, ahead of studs Zac Gallen, Corbin Burnes, Spencer Strider and more of the like. League-wide, his 1.14 WHIP is exactly even with stars Framber Valdez, Zack Wheeler and Pablo Lopez.

Simply put: Verlander is still one of the best pitchers in the world.

I think the Mets should try to extend him until the very end of his career. Find out where he's at.

How many years you got left in the tank, Justin? Do you want to finish your career in Flushing?

To me, it's a no-brainer for the Mets to go into the 2024 MLB season with Kodai Senga, Verlander and Scherzer atop their rotation.

We're heading into an MLB offseason that will boast Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias, Aaron Nola, Lucas Giolito, Sonny Gray, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery and James Paxton on the open market.

If Eppler starts with Senga, Verlander and Scherzer atop his rotation, can you imagine the possibilities with the other starting pitchers on the market?

David Peterson remains an interesting wild card, as well.

NY Mets: The case for trading Verlander away

I mean this one's obvious, isn't it?

The Astros would gladly take Verlander back. We know the Rangers are hot on his trail. The Dodgers could do what they did with Scherzer in the past, and grab 'JV' at the trade deadline.

The options are nearly unlimited. Every MLB team in the playoff race could potentially use Verlander to their advantage.

Thus, good prospect offers open up for Eppler and the Mets. You create a bidding war. Eppler and Steve Cohen could potentially add to the prospects they acquired in the Escobar and Robertson deals.

The Mets are doing the right thing by attempting to bolster their farm system, but is Verlander necessarily the right guy to part with under that heading?

If not Justin Verlander, what's the alternative for the Mets?

In my eyes, the alternative must always be considered in these situations. If the Mets part ways with Verlander, who will they get that projects better in the next couple years?

Again, Verlander is still one of the absolute best pitchers in baseball.

I say, go into 2024 with Senga, Verlander and Scherzer. If you don't get Ohtani, I'd pivot to Snell or Montgomery to add a quality left-hander to the mix.

Billy Eppler's in a tight spot, here. You gotta know when to hold 'em, and when to fold 'em.

Do you trust Eppler's judgment?

John Frascella is a published baseball author who has been covering MLB for 19 years. Follow him on Twitter @LegendSports7 for all things Mets, MLB, NFL and NBA throughout the year.