Three landing spots for Mets Ace Verlander, including World Series champions Astros

The most expensive team in Major League Baseball history is officially a seller. One day after sending David Robertson to the NL East rival Miami Marlins, the New York Mets sent Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers in a stunning trade. Impressive because the Mets officially ended the season and because the Mets are shelling out more than $35 million to make it happen.

New York was smart to end the season – the team entered Sunday seven games out of a wild-card spot with a 49-55 record – and it was smart to take advantage of owner Steve Cohen’s wealth. Paying off much of Scherzer’s contract got them Luisangel Acuña (Ronald’s younger brother), one of the sport’s top 50 prospects. They effectively bought a top prospect.

The question now is what’s next? The Mets have several other trade candidates, including rental outfielders Mark Canha and Tommy Pham, as well as Justin Verlander. There’s no reason not to listen to offers for Verlander now. And yes, replacing him and Scherzer in next year’s rotation would be difficult, but it’s possible with Cohen’s portfolio. Better see what’s out there.

Where could Verlander end up? Or, rather, perhaps it’s better to ask which teams should most have interest in Verlander? Here are the five clubs that should be most inclined to give Mets GM Billy Eppler a call about the reigning AL Cy Young winner.

1. Baltimore Orioles

The O’s are in first place and in position to not only win the AL East but also secure a spot in the Wild Card Series. However, they don’t have an ace, and their young starters are all approaching the highest innings totals of their previous careers (Tyler Wells had his third consecutive rough start on Saturday). Realistically, Baltimore has more top-level young infielders than roster spots. There’s no way to fit all those guys on the team long-term. Turning one or two of them into Verlander – with the Mets paying much of his salary – seems worthwhile for a team that has officially moved out of the rebuilding phase and into contention.

2. Houston Astros

Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. underwent season-ending elbow surgeries a few weeks ago, and Cristian Javier hasn’t been as effective this year as in the past. The Astros could use another veteran starter simply for depth reasons, and of course there’s plenty of familiarity here. Like Scherzer, Verlander has a full no-trade clause and is in control of that process. He might jump at the chance to return to a city and an organization he knows well and that will give him a chance to win another World Series ring. Houston’s farm system is flawed, which could be an obstacle when it comes time to make a start.

3. Cincinnati Reds

Could it be time for the Reds to make a leap? They enter Sunday’s game just a half-game behind in the NL Central and in dire need of a starting pitcher, both for the remainder of this season and next. Going from Luke Weaver (6.80 ERA) to Verlander would be one of the biggest upgrades any team could make at the deadline. Cincinnati certainly has the prospects needed to close a deal – its farm system is full – and it also has the need. Would Verlander approve a trade to the Reds? No one knows the answer but Verlander, but Reds GM Nick Krall has to at least call and ask, right?