Verlander committed to 'trying to win a championship' with Mets

Despite a disappointing season so far, Justin Verlander still wants to compete with the New York Mets.

With the trade deadline just two weeks away, there has been some chatter about the Mets possibly shopping Verlander. But the 40-year-old is steadfast in his desire to contend for the World Series with the Mets.

"I remain committed to trying to win a championship here," Verlander told The Athletic's Will Sammon Tuesday.

Verlander is in the first season of a two-year, $86.7-million contract and holds a no-trade clause.

The Mets entered the season hoping to capture the franchise's first championship since 1986. But they've struggled all season and entered play Tuesday 8.5 games back of a wild-card spot.

After winning a third Cy Young Award last season with the Houston Astros, Verlander's first season with the Mets has been underwhelming. The nine-time All-Star is 3-5 with a 3.72 ERA and 63 strikeouts across 75 innings pitched so far.

"It gnaws at me that I haven't pitched as well as I would like. It's been very inconsistent. I'm working my ass off. But I don't think anybody wants things to go like that," Verlander said. He added, "There's no point in guessing. I am here. I am committed here. And I am doing everything I can to be successful here."