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New York Mets: 3 potential trade destinations for Justin Verlander

By Scott Roche

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 20: Pitcher Justin Verlander of the New York Mets talks to reporters during his introductory press conference at Citi Field on December 20, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 20: Pitcher Justin Verlander of the New York Mets talks to reporters during his introductory press conference at Citi Field on December 20, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Reds staring pitcher Luke Weaver (34) reacts after the third out of the top of the second inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the LA Dodgers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. The Reds won 9-8 on a walk-off, bases loaded, single off the bat of shortstop Matt McLain (9) in the bottom of the ninth.
Cincinnati Reds staring pitcher Luke Weaver (34) reacts after the third out of the top of the second inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the LA Dodgers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. The Reds won 9-8 on a walk-off, bases loaded, single off the bat of shortstop Matt McLain (9) in the bottom of the ninth. /

Cincinnati Reds could be a potential landing spot for Justin Verlander

Thanks to a strong June and end to the first half of the season, the Cincinnati Reds have become a serious threat to the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. Young start Elly De La Cruz has brought back the fans in Cincinnati.

One area that the Reds need at least one addition is a starting pitcher. Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are currently injured and they are trying to patch the rotation together with young arms and some questionable arms.

Ben Lively, Luke Weaver, Andrew Abbott, Brandon Williamson, and Graham Ashcraft are currently their starting five and they are doing their best to keep them neck-and-neck with the Brewers. Can they survive the next two-plus months with the current names above? Not likely, which tells the front office that a starting arm is needed.

Verlander would come in and be a solid No. 2 or 3 addition to the rotation and give the Reds a bolt on the mound. Cincinnati has two paths to the postseason this year, either winning the division to edging out a number of teams for a Wild Card spot. If they are going to either spot, getting an arm like Verlander’s is a must, but getting him to waive his clause for them could be the biggest obstacle.

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