2 SF Giants trade rumors we hope come true, 1 we hope doesn't happen

The Giants trading for Justin Verlander would be amazing, but costly

It pretty much goes without saying that Justin Verlander carries with him the level of star power that is normally not available at the trade deadline. His track record of being one of the best pitchers of this generation is unimpeachable and with the Mets clearly accepting the fact that 2023 is a lost cause with their move to send Max Scherzer to the Rangers, Verlander could also be on the move.

Verlander isn't just a sexy name to mention out of the blue. For at least a week now, the Giants have been reported as interested in Verlander's services by Jon Morosi and others. San Francisco has the prospects to get that level of deal done if they wanted to and are certainly close enough on paper to make a deep playoff run to be motivated to explore it.

Getting Verlander would give the Giants the impact rotation arm that they desperately want especially if JV's recent strong run of play continues. While 2023 did not start off great for Verlander, he has looked like his vintage Cy Young winning self the last couple of months. The rest of the starting pitching market is looking pretty grim right now especially with Jordan Montgomery and Lucas Giolito already being dealt, so Verlander may be the Giants' best shot at getting a high ceiling arm.

There are a couple wrinkles in this plan for the Giants. First and foremost, Verlander would be expensive both in terms of prospects and money. He is making north of $43 million this year and in 2024 and has a vesting option at $35 million for 2025 which is a lot of dollars for an older pitcher and a lot of team control which boosts his trade value.

Second, the Mets may prefer to keep him because of that very team control in the event that they try to retool their roster quickly and try and compete next season. Steven Cohen needs to get SOMETHING for all of that money he has spent after all. Finally, Verlander has a full no-trade clause that he would have to waive before any deal could happen and it is unclear as to whether or not he would do so.