3 Trade Targets the Phillies Must Pursue at the Deadline
By Tyler Maher
Max Scherzer/Justin Verlander, SP
With the Mets toiling seven games below .500, it’s possible they may try to unload some of their older, pricier players in return for younger, cheaper talent. That means Max Scherzer and/or Justin Verlander may be available, both of whom pitched for Dombrowski when he was running the Tigers in the early 2010s.
In an era where many front offices have moved away workhorse starting pitchers, Dombrowski still values big-name starters and has frequently gone above and beyond to acquire them, either by shelling out tons of dollars or prospects. In this case, he wouldn’t be shy about adding either of New York’s former Cy Young winners for the stretch run.
Bringing in Scherzer or Verlander would give a huge boost to Philly’s rotation, especially in a short playoff series come October. The Mets might be reluctant to trade within their own division, however, so Dombrowski may need to make them an offer they can’t refuse.