MLB Trade Rumors: Will Red Sox Chase Future Hall Of Famer Before Deadline?
Giants' Justin Verlander is a legend, but how much does he have left?
MLB trade deadline day is here and the Boston Red Sox are looking to make another splash. Late Wednesday night chief baseball officer Craig Breslow completed a deal for St. Louis Cardinals left-hander Steven Matz.
The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey and Masslive.com’s Chris Cotillo report the Red Sox will use Matz as a multi-inning reliever out of the bullpen.
As a result, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reports the “Red Sox could attempt to land both a starter and reliever, even after dealing for Matz.” MLB.com’s Ian Browne thinks another starter makes sense for Boston.
“The Yankees, Astros, Red Sox, Cubs and Blue Jays are among the contenders who could be in the market for a high-end rental starter,” ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported Thursday.
But who will it be?
Enter Justin Verlander.
“With Giants selling, Justin Verlander becomes a trade candidate. Has full no-trade, and Giants will of course work (with) him,” The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Wednesday.
“Justin Verlander is available on the trade market, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported Wednesday. “Verlander is on an expiring contract; out of respect to the future Hall of Famer, the Giants are open to working out a deal if it makes sense for Verlander and the organization. His last 2 starts: 10 IP, 1 ER.”
Verlander is an all-time great. The right-hander is a nine-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series champion.
His 263 wins and 3,493 strikeouts are the most among active pitchers.
But at 42, it’s safe to wonder how much Verlander has left in the tank. This year, he’s 1-8 with a 4.53 ERA in 18 starts.
According to Spotrac, Verlander is making $15 million this year and will be a free agent following the season.
