Talks are reportedly picking up on the Justin Verlander trade front, and Joe Benigno says if the Mets indeed part with their ace, they are waving the white flag for next season as well.
So, Joe doesn’t want to see Verlander dealt before Tuesday’s deadline.
“I will be very ticked off if the Mets trade Verlander,” Joe said. “I do not want him traded. Because then, after Uncle Stevie sold me a bill of good, saying we’re gonna win in five years…if you trade him, you’re telling me you’re punting on next year.
“This guy has a bunch of money…but you can’t come here, and after a couple years, say ‘Well, we’re gonna rebuild now. Deal with 70 wins next year.’”
Verlander is under contract next year, and has recently looked more like his Cy Young self, dropping his ERA to 3.15 on the year. If Verlander is dealt, the Mets will have parted with their current ace, and last year’s ace in Max Scherzer, while Jose Quintana and Carlos Carrasco could be on their way out. That would leave a wasteland of a starting rotation outside of Kodai Senga, and Joe wouldn’t be happy with that, especially from an owner who set a goal for contending for a title within five years of taking over.
“Does Steve Cohen have the guts to come out and tell Mets fans, ‘Hey, we’re punting on next year,’” Joe said. “That’s what he’s saying if they trade Justin Verlander.”
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