MLB Rumors: "Strong Interest" From 3 Contenders For Mets’ Justin Verlander

The New York Mets seem to have begun their sell-off with the trade of closer David Robertson to the Miami Marlins. Could 3-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander be next? According to several sources, there are three teams displaying strong interest for the 40-year-old marvel, all major contenders. 

Sources: Mets are getting strong interest from multiple teams regarding Justin Verlander.

Mets would like Verlander for the 2024 season, but there’s belief from other MLB executives the Mets might end up with an offer they can’t refuse.

Dodgers, Astros, & Rangers involved.

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) July 29, 2023

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers and Houston Astros have been in touch with the Mets. The Dodgers and Rangers are trying to boost their staffs to hang on to slim leads atop their respective West Divisions, while the Astros are just two games back of Texas.

The Mets are said to be "open to offers" for Verlander, but all of this leaves his co-veteran rotation mate Max Scherzer fuming.  

Max Scherzer when asked if there's time for a run to still be made:

"Probably got to have a conversation with the front office. You traded our closer away. A bunch of people are going to have to have conversations with the front office" pic.twitter.com/KD2uPKhhEl

— SNY (@SNYtv) July 29, 2023

"Probably got to have a conversation with the front office. You traded our closer away. A bunch of people are going to have to have conversations with the front office," said Mad Max, who, is, apparently... mad. 

Verlander has a 3.24 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP in 15 starts. 

The Mets, who spent humongous amounts of cash to assemble a roster this year that they hoped would compete for a World Series, are slogging along at five games under .500, a full 17 games back of the Atlanta Braves in the NL East, and 6.5 games back for the last Wild Card spot, but with four other teams to leapfrog as well. 

Other leading candidates to be dealt from the team include outfielders Tommy Pham and Mark Canha. 

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports