In what has been a disappointing season, the New York Mets decided to be sellers at the MLB trade deadline, which resulted in Max Scherzer getting sent to the Texas Rangers and Justin Verlander discussed with several teams as well.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros were believed to be the primary suitors for Verlander, who is still pitching at a high level in his 18th MLB season. The right-hander is 6-5 with a 3.15 ERA, 3.81 FIP and 1.15 WHIP in 16 starts.
The Dodgers have long been interested in Verlander as they previously attempted to acquire him at the 2017 trade deadline and tried signing the three-time Cy Young Award winner in each of the last two offseasons.
Although they made another strong effort this year, the Dodgers ultimately did not acquire the vetern. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Mets traded Verlander to the Astros:
Justin Verlander has been traded to the #Astros!
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 1, 2023
Verlander is in the first of a two-year, $86.66 million contract that contains a 2025 vesting option valued at $35 million if he pitches 140 innings next season.
This marks a second time Verlander has been traded to the Astros, with the first instance occurring during the 2017 season.
Dodgers options without Justin Verlander
Now that Verlander is no longer a trade target, the Dodgers presumably will primarily shift their focus to Eduardo Rodriguez of the Detroit Tigers, or Pittsburgh Pirates ace Mitch Keller.
Both pitchers don’t require as much financial commitment as Verlander, but figure to cost the Dodgers more in terms of prospect capital.
However, Rodriguez can opt out of his contract after the 2023 season, which is likely considering he would garner more than the remaining $49 million over three years that would be left if staying under the deal.
Keller can’t become a free agent until after the 2025 season.
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