JUST IN TIME

By: Mike Rifkin

As we approach the 2023 MLB trade deadline, everyone keeps asking if the Mets will buy or sell. One of the names people keep bringing up is future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander. On Tuesday night, Verlander pitched six shutout innings in the Mets’ victory over the Yankees. Verlander has given up one run in 15 innings over his last two starts. 

Verlander, the 2021 AL CY Young Award winner, has lowered his ERA to 3.24. Verlander’s ERA since June first is 2.44; over the last month, his ERA has been 1.45. Verlander is rounding into form. He has expressed his desire to win in New York, so he signed with the Mets and said that GM Billy Eppler has not approached him about waiving his no-trade clause. Now, there are plenty of complications with trading Verlander from a financial perspective. 

But most Mets fans should be okay with Verlander being a part of the 2024 team. Not just from what he gives the team on the mound but also from a leadership perspective. Also, the rotation is in flux. Carlos Carrasco, who has struggled, is a free agent after the season, Jose Quintana can be traded, and David Peterson and Tylor Megill have yet to take the step forward most expected them to. Kodai Senga has been the most consistent starter, and Max Scherzer is in a similar situation to Verlander. 

If the 2023 Mets miss the playoffs, it will be a massive failure. But if Justin Verlander pitches well the rest of the season and is not traded, the team and fans will now be at least ⅖ of the rotation for 2024. Verlander has rounded into form just in time.