Mets are listening, however there’s a rising trade perception that Justin Verlander will keep put

The Mets are listening when groups name on Justin Verlander, however are inserting a particularly excessive worth on him — which on Sunday led to a rising perception within the trade that Verlander will keep put by means of Tuesday’s deadline, in line with a number of rival executives.

Groups anticipating the kind of wage reduction that the Mets gave the Texas Rangers for Max Scherzer — roughly $35 million — are discovering that the Mets are valuing Verlander in another way. Buying and selling companions wanting money in a Verlander commerce are discovering the prospect ask a lot greater.

That’s as a result of Verlander’s stuff appears to be like significantly better than Scherzer’s this yr. One Yankee who confronted Verlander in June and once more final week mentioned, “He appeared nice this time — significantly better than the primary time.”

As GM Billy Eppler mentioned on Sunday in asserting the Scherzer commerce, the Mets will not be punting on 2024, although they’re making an attempt to get youthful and enhance the farm system. Holding Verlander for subsequent season is a powerful risk.

Previous to the Scherzer commerce, mates of Verlander within the trade didn’t suppose he would waive his no-trade clause. Nonetheless, after Sunday’s sport, Verlander mentioned, “I suppose it largely depends upon how the group views subsequent yr. I imply, I believe Max is a tricky signal for making an attempt to return at it like occurred this yr. I am dedicated to making an attempt to win a championship right here. But when the group decides that that is not precisely the route that they suppose is greatest match to go for subsequent yr and go for it once more, then, yeah, I would be extra open to it.”

Houston sources say that the Astros referred to as the Mets on Verlander Sunday, however the sides had been nowhere near worth.