Mets veteran ace Justin Verlander finally addressed the ongoing rumors swirling around his potential trade at the August 1 deadline.
What do you do when the media starts spreading rumors about your potential trade? Sit down with one of them and set the record straight. That's what New York Mets star Justin Verlander did with The Athletic on Tuesday.
In a candid interview, Verlander got real about his future in New York and made one statement very, very clear: he remains "committed" to winning a championship with the Mets.
He noted that he wasn't giving up on this season but also holds a "long lens," strongly implying that he would want to play out the two-year contract he signed last December and still try to go all the way in 2024.
As a self-proclaimed optimist, Verlander admitted the team is in a tough spot right now but appeared ready to weather the storm for at least another year.
Verlander said:
"If we continue to put [Cohen] in a position [to sell], we have to accept that. But there's no reason to think it's like, abandon ship and sell everything and not try to win going forward. That doesn't seem like his MO. That's a question for him. I remain committed to trying to win a championship here."
Mets' Justin Verlander brushes off trade deadline rumors
Mets owner Steve Cohen has so far given no intention to sell at the trade deadline despite his team sitting in fourth place in the NL East with a 44-50 record. As is the case with several other underperforming franchises, the Mets' 2023 season hasn't gone according to plan.
Neither has Verlander's first year in New York: the 40-year-old holds a 3.72 ERA and 1.227 WHIP in 13 starts this season.
As early as June, Verlander was being pitched as an exciting trade candidate for teams in need of starting pitcher depth. His pedigree and contract (under team control through 2024) may look tantalizing to more serious playoff-contending teams, yet he's cleared up any doubt surrounding his desires or intentions. He's staying in New York this year. Plus, he has a no-trade clause.
With the August 1 deadline just a stone's throw away, the Mets' front office can and should deliberate whether holding onto an aging star like Verlander would help or hurt them in the long run. Verlander has made his decision. Steve Cohen and the Mets need to make theirs.
