The Mets’ sell-off began in earnest last night when they traded David Robertson to the division-rival Marlins, and further deals are widely expected to come together in the days leading up to Tuesday’s trade deadline. Veteran outfielders Mark Canha and Tommy Pham can be free agents at season’s end — Canha has a 2024 club option — and figure to hold interest to contenders seeking right-handed bats and/or general outfield help. But perhaps no two players will be of as much interest to fans in the next few days as future Hall of Famers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.
Andy Martino of SNY reports that the Mets have thus far received “moderate” interest in Verlander but have not had meaningful enough talks to even approach the three-time Cy Young winner about waiving his no-trade clause. Scherzer has drawn less interest, per Martino.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported late last night that a pair of executives with other clubs believe there’s a real chance the Mets will ultimately trade Verlander. He listed the Rangers and Astros as potential fits, and Martino adds (without directly tying them to Verlander) that the Angels and Reds have been scouting the Mets of late. Feinsand adds that the Rangers were in on Verlander in the offseason, but the 40-year-old righty was more keen on signing with what he viewed as a contending club in Queens. It’s only reasonable to think he’d view the Rangers more favorably now; Texas is leading the AL West and owns the third-best winning percentage and top run differential in the American League. He’s certainly no stranger to pitching in Texas either, having spent several years with the Astros.
Obviously, there would be plenty of obstacles to any trade actually coming together. First and foremost, both Verlander and Scherzer have full no-trade clauses in their contracts. They’d have to approve any deal, although one can imagine that the opportunity to go from a struggling Mets team into the type of playoff chase both envisioned when signing in New York would be quite enticing. Both players are also earning a record $43.333MM annual salary on the contracts they signed in free agency — a massive number which would rule some contending clubs out entirely. Owner Steve Cohen could of course pay down some of that salary in order to facilitate a trade, but the specifics of how much cash to include and what caliber of prospects to send back for either multi-time Cy Young winner would be difficult to broker.
Beyond the contractual hurdles, the simple fact is that neither Verlander nor Scherzer has pitched as well in 2023 as in recent seasons. Verlander’s 3.24 ERA is a perfect match for his career mark, but this year’s 20.9% strikeout rate 8.2% walk rate are nowhere close to last year’s respective rates of 27.8% and 4.4%. Verlander’s 94.6 mph average fastball, 10% swinging-strike rate and 34.9% opponents’ chase rate are all down slightly from last year’s levels of 95.1 mph, 11.6% and 36.9%, as well.
Verlander, who missed the first five weeks of the season due to a strained teres major, is guaranteed $43.333MM this year and next. His contract contains a conditional $35MM player option for the 2025 season that would vest if he pitches 140 innings next year.
As for Scherzer, he’s sporting a 4.20 ERA that would be the second-highest mark of his career — his worst since a 4.43 showing way back in 2011. His 27.4% strikeout rate and 6.7% walk rate are down from his 2022 levels (30.6% and 4.2%) but still remain considerably better than the league average. However, he’s also giving up home runs at the highest rate of his career. Scherzer has yielded an average of 1.97 round-trippers per nine innings pitched and seen a whopping 16.8% of his fly-balls leave the yard. The latter of those two numbers seems bound for some regression, but Scherzer is giving up hard contact at his highest levels since Statcast began tracking batted-ball data (89.1 mph average exit velocity, 10.3% barrel rate, 38.7% hard-hit rate).
Scherzer is in the second season of a three-year, $130MM contract pays him $43.333MM annually, but he has the right to opt out of the final year of that deal this winter. Barring a return to vintage form over the final couple months, he’s unlikely to match that type of payday on the open market. However, Scherzer suggested prior to the season that the opt-out was negotiated into his contract in large part to see where the organization stood at that point. He knew his now-former teammate Jacob deGrom had a looming opt-out in his deal and wanted to ensure that the Mets would remain committed to fielding a winning club in the event deGrom departed. The Mets certainly strived to do so in 2023, but things haven’t worked out.
Reports have since suggested that Scherzer is willing to waive his no-trade clause, which is only sensible if winning is his his top priority. His willingness to do so hardly guarantees that a deal will come to fruition, but with the Mets beginning to trade short-term veterans, both Scherzer and Verlander figure to be oft-discussed names over the next four days.
kidnova
That’s a lot of money to take on unless you’re fairly confident it’s going to put you over the top.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Cohen will include money if the Mets want to get back any player(s) of significance.
brewsingblue82
I’m not sure he seems to willing to though. That’s my main guess as to why they haven’t even approached Verlander about approving a trade. My guess is they’re trying to get a good haul without paying any of it.
Scherzer on the other hand, I don’t see many teams wanting to give up much of a return without feeling confident he can bounce back a little to his old self.
deweybelongsinthehall
Remember the day Bowie Kuhn voided Charlie O’s selloff? Paying down to stay under the threshold or to get better prospects has to stop at some point.
Benjamin101677
We know cohen has money but as a business man how mu can money is he going continue to eat and put into playoffs if are not winning. Also how long will mlb allow cohen to give out massive contracts and then trade away.
If they trade away Scherzer and Verlander than the mets will have to give you massive contracts again next year for starters
CleaverGreene
I see Carrasco and/or Quintana going first.
Bill
Would love to see Carrasco gone. Quintana, who knows if he’s any good after only two starts.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
“was more keen on signing with what he viewed as a contending club” – Best quote of the year!
All that condescension the Mets had is hitting them right back.
Reyordonézfanclub
How’s deGrom working out for ya???
EasternLeagueVeteran
Well, i guess it was a decision to pay only $486k per inning ( so far $43.3333/ 89 innings) versus paying $996k per inning ($30 M /30.1 innings). And Verlanders rate goes down each inning he pitches as opposed to the $40 M the Rangers will pay next year for nothing.
At least that is one decision everyone but Texas could see coming.
And I am a Jake fan, but this is exactly why he is not pitching in New York nor LA.
He is ELECTRIC and the beat I had ever seen, but he can’t perform regularly enough to make it a worthwhile risk.
That’s not condescension. That’s reality from a scout’s eyes.
JPopp9
You guys do know insurance pays that salary when he is injured right?
stymeedone
You do know that with his injury history, no legit insurance co. was going to provide coverage on deGrom for less than a 90% premium. Texas has no coverage on him.
JPopp9
All players are covered. Premiums may be high but workers comp is workers comp. Required by law. MLB is not exempt.
TMQ
No it doesn’t.
Dutch
The players are guaranteed their salary but many clubs reportedly choose not to insure the contracts.
Sid Bream Speed Demon
Not true at all. Many teams are self-insured, because contracts are guaranteed the team is always the one that loses the money, they have to pay either way.
EasternLeagueVeteran
Well, i guess it was a decision to pay only $486k per inning ( so far $43.3333/ 89 innings) versus paying $996k per inning ($30 M /30.1 innings). And Verlanders rate goes down each inning he pitches as opposed to the $40 M the Rangers will pay next year for nothing.
At least that is one decision everyone but Texas could see coming.
And I am a Jake fan, but this is exactly why he is not pitching in New York nor LA.
He is ELECTRIC and the best I had ever seen, but he can’t perform regularly enough to make it a worthwhile risk.
That’s not condescension. That’s reality from a scout’s eyes.
padam
@degrom – it’s not a quote. You are quoting the writing/statement, thus stating that your quotation of the writing is the “Best quote of the year!”
Seshbra
Nobody cares
etex211
Either of these guys should be practically free in a trade just as long as you don’t ask for any money to come along with them.
brewsingblue82
I’m pretty sure the Mets are still looking at getting something in return, which would include money going to the other team. Talks probably aren’t to serious because either the mets are looking at higher returns than anyone wants to give up or teams are wanting more money than the mets want to include on the deal.
stymeedone
Scherzer can opt out, so teams are likely offering rental returns, discounted for his salary. Verlander has two additional years, $43mm and (likely) $35MM. I can see Cohen picking up some of this years contract, but not wanting to cover future years. Again, offers are likely reflecting that. I don’t see either moving.
dugmet
Cohen doesn’t care about dumping a contract. He’s looking for talent. He’ll pay to get that talent in return otherwise there’s no reason to deal either Verlander or Max (though can’t imagine there’s much interest in him)
iverbure
I’m not so sure Cohen isn’t interested in dumping anyone. Because of the amount of tax he’s paying getting rid of 20 million is like getting rid 30 plus. Isn’t it like 60% tax for every dollar. I could be wrong but I know it’s significant.
I think the return for verlander is going to be much lower than anyone expects if a team takes on all the remaining money. The Orioles to me make the most sense who could potentially take on all the money without going into the luxury tax.
CursedRangers
I’m hoping the Rangers trade DeGrom & Rocker for Verlander, straight up, no cash being exchanged…
Roll
@iver
everything over the last cap i believe is 90%
iverbure
Roll then it’s even more advantageous for the Mets to salary dump guys. Almost a dollar for dollar tax. Cohen didn’t get rich by paying 14 more million than he needed to
Ma4170
I could see them paying half the remaining salary just to get decent prospects in return and at least some of the money off the books.
brooklyn62
Frustrating watching Scherzer this year.His slider just hangs and…another home run. Too much money for another team to take on. Verlander has been returning to form over the last month, so there is some hope for him as a Met.
kidnova
Yeah, looks like Verlander has been pretty good since June, but his walk rate is still pretty high. Regardless, this is a guy you want in your playoff rotation.
Reyordonézfanclub
Apparently Scherzer minus the sticky stuff turns him into just a average 38 yo used to be…..
Samuel
“Too much money for another team to take on.”
brooklyn62;
The only 2 teams in MLB that would take agree to pay those salaries in 2024 are the Padres and the Mets.
brewsingblue82
If I were a team inquiring on Scherzer, only ways I’d make a deal for him is if
A)he agreed to opt out after the season, which he’s unlikely to do with the way he’s performing now.
B)if the Mets took on a good portion of the remaining salary if they want a better return
C)if the mets took lottery picks as returns in exchange for the acquiring team taking on most, if not all, of Scherzers remaining salary, which the Mets likely won’t do, since their owner doesn’t need to dump salary and they likely want a decent return while barely paying much of his salary left on the deal.
Scherzers contract is to high for most teams to want to take on, and he’s not pitching like he usually does as it is, so it’s hardly a surprise there’s not much interest in him.
In Verlanders case, I’m guessing the reason talks haven’t gotten serious enough ti approach him is again the matter of how much he’s being paid, the Mets probably don’t want to pay much if any of his contract and still want a good return.
Mets will likely still have them both next year.
Reyordonézfanclub
Idk…Verlander has stated that he signed for more than 1 year in the big apple and that sounds like he wants to win in NY. Scherzer is more the mercenary type who’ll waive.
Robrock30
Fogetaboutit
AlBundysFanClubPresident
‘…if winning is his top priority.’
Well, he’s getting paid no matter what, right? So, it makes sense that his NEXT priority is winning.
10centBeerNight
I’d expect suitors for Scherzer IF Cohen pays much of the remainder. Verlander has been good not great. Someone has to pitch for NYM next year and Peterson/Megill are not the answer
sacrifice
Nick Nastrini is a nice pick-up the rest is garbage
Sid Bream Speed Demon
How LOLMets is it that they paid these guys that no one wants so much money?
rct
Plenty of people wanted either of them when their contracts were signed. That’s why they paid so much.
Sid Bream Speed Demon
If you say so. I think they bid against themselves.
HalofaninHtown
Arte can send them Rendon, Rengifo, Velasquez and Adell. Dumping Rendon at any cost might be worth it.
Benjamin101677
Mets would be stupid to free up any money for the angels as it would mean the angels can outbid the Mets for ohtani
Halo11Fan
Ohtani isn’t about the money. He makes a fortune in endorsements, and has already left more than a 100 million on the table just coming to states early.
Ohtani will cost a fortune, and even if the Mets or Yankees outbid everyone, it won’t make a difference. Ohtani will play where he wants to play regardless of who makes the highest bid.
Samuel
Benjamin101677;
1. Ohtani! is not playing in NYC….especially for the Mets.
2. Ohtani! will get astronomical money wherever he signs. I don’t doubt he leaves money on the table to go to a team he wants to play for and live in their area.
Inside Out
No one wants Scherzer because he an overpaid jerk and cheater
zack novotny
Verlander and 30% of contract for Alek Thomas?
Ejemp2006
Verlander is still an elite pitcher, better than anyone else being shopped. They won’t have to eat nearly that much to get an top ten prospect back.
pdxbrewcrew
Verlander has roughly $92 MM left on his deal. Scherzer has $57 MM left. Any deal should be a non-starter if the Mets don’t pick up over $65 MM of Verlander’s or $45 MM of Scherzer’s.
Ma4170
Their numbers this year are worth much more than the $27M and $12 M remaining salary you’re proposing. Look at what barely average SP were signed for this offseason. Picking up half seems more reasonable if they want a good return.
JosephK
What do MLB fans think of the Scherzer/Verlander back when they were on the tigers? Were they magical back with the Tigers and the Mets owners thought they would get that magic?
I only started watching baseball back in 2018 so I have no perspective.
Samuel
JosephK;
IMO the Mets owner wanted to buy a pennant in 2023 (the Padres owner did as well). I believe he went for the biggest names…..doubt
it had anything to do with their time in Detroit…..and the Mets fans that are now complaining and dissing those 2 players were ecstatic the days they were signed and were making World Series plans even before 2023 Spring Training started…..”Uncle Stevie’s beautiful money!” was their rally cry (they were comical to watch even before the season started).
YankeesBleacherCreature
Both of them were aces, good for 200 IP, perennial CY Award contenders, and on HOF trajectories. Scherzer got even better as a National. I think the Mets were hoping that age and wear-and-tear wouldn’t catch up with either of them yet.
Ejemp2006
There was a healthy rivalry between them; however, Verlander got a huge Tiger payday and they refused to extend a similar offer to Scherzer. That episode really ended the last era of competitive Detroit baseball because when Mad Max left, we tried to replace him with Jordan Zimmerman.
I imagine these aged Mets versions of Verlander and Scherzer have many conversations about the woulda coulda shoulda teams they were on in Detroit but I’ve never read anything about them having a particularly close friendship.
Mikenmn
If you are a team with a 2-3 year timeframe, and you still think these guys can be the horses they were expected to be…maybe you roll the dice. But I don’t know how Cohen substantially pays down future $ on top of the money he’s already paying them. So it’s hard to see how a deal actually comes together. Big risk for acquirer.
stymeedone
The acquiring team pays their $43mm salary next year. Cohan has to pay $43mm + a 90% penalty. I’m guessing he doesn’t want to pay future salary if they are not playing for him.
Mr_KLC
If the Astros can get the Mets to where it would only cost them $25 million/year, they might go for a reunion.
Krob
I’d up that to 30m or a little more for JV to come back home, but I fear the prospects/players we’d have to give up???
Yes, I know and love our prospects, it’s Milo❤️Hamilton’s fault, over 30 years ago I started paying close attention to the ” down on the farm” reports.
It’s been talked about how Mr. Crane nor JV wanted him to leave, but JV wanted to get payed(as he deserved) and Our young rotation deserved a chance Without bankrupting our future,Smart!!!!
Paleobros
As a Braves fan, I hope they hold on to Max.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
I hope Verlander gets out of that dumpster franchise with almost a 400 MM payroll after taxes and a losing record. Welcome to the 1st place Rangers with MLB’s best run differential! Just get the Mets to by 35 million a season, and maybe they get a top 100 prospect. That’s quite a hefty amount to pay for a prospect, imo. Some exec said the Mets would have to pay 2/3rd of his salary and would be lucky to end up with a top 100 guy.
springerdinger
I can’t wait until the Astros dust your loser franchise in the offs
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
That would be well worth it if the 400 MM payroll team misses the playoffs. Honestly, that’s more fun than making the playoffs.
Jdt8312
The Mets aren’t trading Scherzer, or Verlander. There are about 3 free agent pitchers on the market that are “top of the rotation” guys. The Mets have no pitching in the minors, at any level, that could be considered to be part of the major league rotation. They already are going to need one starter to replace Carrasco. I really don’t think they are going to want to fill top spots in the rotation with most of what is left after Ohtani. And there is no guarantee that he’s interested in coming to the east coast, or even leaving the Angels. The same applies to Quintana. If the Mets trade any of those guys, the return will be expensive just to listen.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
I know it’s crazy and not going to happen but I think it would be really cool if the Orioles landed Verlander.
Ejemp2006
Verlander is a fly ball pitcher. Camden would not be kind to him.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Its not about Camden Yards.
brooklyn62
Truth! I looked at the stats for Syracuse and the damn cupboard is BARE! Nothing,zilch,nada in the way of any arms that could be called up to the Mets. Quintana has made 2 starts- what the hell could he yield in return? Carrasco was a terrible signing; should have resigned Walker and/or Bassitt.
3768902
I could see Falvine getting cute and trading Maeda for prospects (or Gray of offer exceeds comp pick) and turning to acquire one of these dudes.
luvochka
So much speculation, but look these guys are already guaranteed to make a mountain of money and they both have no trade clauses, so it’s really up to them.The problem then is that they undoubtedly have inflated views of their own worth, so like I am only willing to be traded to the Dodgers kind of thing, but that’s not the kind of pitcher they are anymore. So a lot of this speculation is just silly.
Mac Attack
Cohen isn’t giving up on next year. I don’t see Verlander or Scherzer going anywhere. Blow out every free agent and build the farm system. Eppler is a knucklehead and doesn’t approach players whose contracts are up. They’ll try to buy another team next year
Jdt8312
What are you even talking about? If you’re referring to Robertson, he was signed to a 1 year deal just last year. You don’t even know what you’re talking about.
YankeesBleacherCreature
They’re both entitled and have earned their NTCs. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be in their contracts. It has nothing to do with an inflated view of self-worth. Why shouldn’t they be able to choose which team they play for?
rmullig2
How about DJ, German, and Beeter for Max? Mets get an immediate starter and a good prospect. DJ is in there to even out the money. Since his contract is spread out over the next three years it reduces the cap hit.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Negative. The Yankees need offense. Cole, Rodon, Nestor (soon), German, Severino, Brito/Schmidt/Vasquez are a fine SP staff.