Justin Verlander Weighs in on Mets’ Decision to Trade Max Scherzer

After the Mets traded veteran starting pitcher Max Scherzer to the Rangers on Saturday, Justin Verlander admitted he’s reassessing his future with the organization.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday after throwing 5.1 innings in a win against the Nationals, Verlander addressed the team’s decision to offload Scherzer ahead of MLB’s trade deadline.

The 40-year-old admitted he was “a bit surprised” by the departure of both Scherzer, who agreed to waive his no-trade clause to join the Rangers, and veteran reliever David Robertson, who was dealt to the rival Marlins. 

“How do you not think about it?” Verlander said when asked if he’d thought about what New York’s trades mean for his own future.

Justin Verlander on the Mets' trade deadline situation: pic.twitter.com/vA5UrtpeTW

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 30, 2023

“Max [Scherzer] was obviously supposed to be an integral part of this team next season, one of our starting pitchers, so when you see that happen, you can’t help but think what’s in store for next year,” Verlander said. “It changed my opinion a little bit. It was tough to see it happen.”

Like Scherzer, Verlander has a no-trade clause in his contract. According to Anthony DiComo, the three-time Cy Young winner admitted he’d consider waiving it depending on the franchise’s competitive outlook for the 2024 season.

Verlander’s start on Sunday was his 16th of the season. He improved his ERA to 3.15 and picked up his sixth win of the campaign as the Mets improved to 50–55 on the year, still 6 1/2 games out of a Wild Card spot in the National League.