Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Featured > Justin Verlander Rumors: Dodgers’ Interest; Vesting Option Complicating Trade Talks
FeaturedRumors

Justin Verlander Rumors: Dodgers’ Interest; Vesting Option Complicating Trade Talks

Matthew Moreno
July 31, 2023
3 Min Read
Justin Verlander
John Jones/USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The New York Mets were lauded for building a starting rotation headlined by Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, but now may find themselves without either pitcher past the MLB trade deadline at 3 p.m. PT on August 1.

After sending David Robertson to the Miami Marlins, the Mets traded Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers for Luisangel Acuña, a top-100 prospect. The Mets also agreed to pay more than $35 million of Scherzer’s remaining salary, and he exercised a player option for 2024.

That then shifted more attention onto Verlander, who backed off his stance about adamantly wanting to remain with the Mets this season. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros have been among the teams connected to a potential Verlander trade.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, there is a sentiment the Dodgers will trade for Verlander:

The buzz around the Dodgers and Verlander among scouts is growing louder.

However, whether the Dodgers or another club, Andy Martino of SNY has noted the 2025 vesting option on Verlander’s contract is proving to be somewhat problematic:

With just over 30 hours to go before the trade deadline, the Mets are not deep in talks with any team about Justin Verlander — but are still listening. One of the primary roadblocks to a deal is Verlander’s vesting option for 2025, according to multiple MLB team executives involved in discussions.

The Mets signed Verlander to a two-year, $86.66 million contract in December 2022. Verlander’s vesting player option for 2025 is valued at $35 million.

The 2025 option will vest if Verlander pitches 140 innings during the 2024 season.

The 40-year-old is at 94.1 innings over 16 starts this year. After struggling to begin his Mets career, Verlander has been improved since the end of June.

Over his last seven starts, the right-hander is 4-1 with a 1.49 ERA and held opponents to a .178/.269/.230 batting line while collecting 37 strikeouts in 42.1 innings pitched.

Dodgers’ interest in Justin Verlander

The Dodgers have long held interest in Verlander, including at the 2017 trade deadline when he ultimately wound up with the Houston Astros and L.A. acquired Yu Darvish.

The Dodgers reportedly had interest in Verlander as a free agent after the 2021 season as well, but he re-signed with the Astros.

When Verlander reached free agency again this past winter, the Dodgers were aggressive in pursuing Verlander but it’s believed their contract offer including deferred salary was a factor in the Mets winning out.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Justin VerlanderLos Angeles DodgersNew York Mets
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Gavin Lux, 2021 NLDS
FeaturedGame CentralSpring Training

Spring Training Preview: Gavin Lux Starts In Left Field, Chris Taylor Scratched From Dodgers Lineup Vs. Guardians

March 23, 2022
March 23, 2022
Mookie Betts, Dave Roberts
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Stands By Decision To Give Mookie Betts Day Off

May 26, 2022
May 25, 2022
Justin Turner, 2021 National League Wild Card Game
Dodgers NewsFeatured

2021 NLCS: Justin Turner Expected To Be In Dodgers Lineup For Game 3 Against Braves

October 18, 2021
October 18, 2021
Kenley Jansen, Dodgers fans, Dodgers win
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dave Roberts Credits Dodgers Fans Supporting Kenley Jansen

July 27, 2021
July 27, 2021

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어