Report: Orioles pursuing Verlander; Astros, Dodgers, Braves involved
The first-place Baltimore Orioles are looking to make a move, and one of the game's greatest pitchers is on their radar.
Baltimore is pursuing New York Mets right-hander Justin Verlander ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, a source told MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
The Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves are also involved in trade discussions for Verlander, sources told Morosi.
The Orioles are also reportedly speaking to multiple sellers about pitching, including the Detroit Tigers.
Verlander is one of the biggest trade options remaining on the market as the Mets purge players from their roster ahead of the deadline.
The 40-year-old, who signed a two-year deal with the Mets before the 2023 campaign began, said he's rethinking his commitment to the team following the trade of co-ace and friend Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers earlier this week. Verlander would need to waive his no-trade clause for a deal to happen.
Verlander has won three Cy Young awards and recently recorded his 250th win. The nine-time All-Star continues to impress well into his 40s, authoring a 3.15 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 94 1/3 innings.
The Orioles' exact targets with the Tigers are unclear, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, who adds there's interest in Michael Lorenzen. Eduardo Rodriguez, who was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Orioles in 2010, is another option.
The Tigers are expected to trade both Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Lorenzen by 6pm ET, but sources say Detroit’s asking prices remain quite high for the two starters. Will the Tigers lower their price or will a contender feel the pressure as the deadline approaches?
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) August 1, 2023
Baltimore enters Tuesday with the best record in the American League thanks to a solid offense and baseball's top bullpen, but the club ranks 16th in MLB in starter ERA and 19th in FIP.