Three potential landing spots for Justin Verlander
The Houston Astros could have the best starting pitcher on the trade block. The question is whether or not he will allow a deal to go through.
Justin Verlander is the type of pitcher any contending team would want. He has a track record of success, he’s a nine-time All-Star and three-time AL Cy Young award winner and was named the 2011 AL MVP.
Verlander also has plenty of postseason experience; he’s made 38 appearances in the playoffs and has won a pair of World Series titles. That experience makes him more valuable for a contending team.
The problem is that Verlander has a full no-trade clause. He already waived it once, allowing the Mets to trade him back to Houston.
As the Astros languish below .500 on the season, speculation about Verlander has begun once more. However, he controls his fate; he will say whether or not he is traded and where he will go, even if an offer is accepted.
Let’s take a look at three possible landing spots for Verlander if he does accept a trade.
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles have an advantage over any other suitor. As Jon Heyman of the New York Post noted, Baltimore is close to his hometown. In fact, Verlander grew up watching Mike Mussina pitch in Camden Yards.
The Orioles have a need for Verlander. Pitchers John Means and Tyler Wells were lost for the season after undergoing elbow surgery, leaving a significant hole in the rotation.
Verlander could fit into the Orioles’ typical behavior at the trade deadline, as Mark Feinsand from MLB.com relayed that an unnamed executive feels that it would not take much to land the former MVP. The Orioles typically do not move significant pieces at the deadline, so Verlander’s price could be right.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves have kept looking for an answer in the rotation since Spencer Strider was lost for the season after undergoing elbow surgery. Seven different pitchers have made at least one start for the Braves since Strider was hurt as the fifth starter role has been a revolving door.
Verlander would be much more than an arm to fill out the rotation. He would give the Braves another top-of-the-rotation starter, joining Max Fried, Chris Sale and a resurgent Reynaldo Lopez to create a formidable quartet for the postseason.
As the Braves look to avoid the fate of their previous NL East dynasty, taking home just one World Series, Verlander could be high on their wish list.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Heyman also mentioned Los Angeles as a potential destination for Verlander. As the Angels are on track to be sellers yet again, Heyman probably means the Dodgers.
Despite spending over $1B this past offseason, the Dodgers rotation has questions. Tyler Glasnow and James Paxton are not paragons of health. Clayton Kershaw and Dustin May are expected back by the end of July, but neither pitcher can be counted on to stay healthy.
The Dodgers need another arm they can count on, and Verlander may be the right fit.
