’ last-minute wish list is starting to take shape, according to multiple people with knowledge of the team’s thinking unauthorized to speak publicly.— a potential blockbuster deal that remains on the table ahead of Tuesday’s 3 p.m. Pacific deadline, but will require the teams to bridge gaps on both the prospect return the Dodgers would send to New York, as well as how much of Verlander’s contract the Mets are willing to pay down.
But to get Verlander, Rodríguez or any other notable alternative available on the trade market, there are still hurdles that have to be cleared. He has a 3.15 ERA on the season overall, and a 1.95 mark over his last nine outings. He was a free-agent target for the Dodgers last winter, before ultimately signing with the Mets. He would be an upgrade to the top of the Dodgers rotation, too, representing one of the few legitimate front-line starters who might be moved before Tuesday’s deadline.
With more than $90 million potentially due over the next three years to Verlander — who turned 40 this February and would be 42 by the end of the contract — the Dodgers would like the Mets to help cover some of the costs, similar to how they paid down a significant portion of Max Scherzer’s contract in a trade with the Texas Rangers over the weekend.
If Verlander falls through, Rodríguez could provide another opportunity for the Dodgers to explore. As of Monday afternoon, the team had maintained interest in him, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation. Given that the Dodgers have already balked at high prices for other rental pitchers — notably, Lucas Giolito,— the threat of losing Rodríguez after only a few months could pose a challenge in striking a fair return for a trade.