The New York Mets appear more willing to talk about Justin Verlander in trade talks. The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros are interested, per the latest MLB Rumors.

Justin Verlander is very familiar with the Astros — he won two World Series in Houston after he was traded from the Motor City in 2017. Verlander won two AL Cy Youngs in three years from 2019-2022. While he chose to leave this offseason for Queens, much of that was contract-related.

Now that Verlander is signed beyond just this season, there's little reason for the Astros NOT to make an offer to the Mets. Houston's competitive window is wide open, though they're among the more aggressive trade deadline buyers due to injuries in their rotation and bullpen. Verlander would solve one of those issues, though they have some competition.

MLB Rumors: Astros, Rangers fighting for Justin Verlander

A classic AL West shootout for an ace? Sounds about right to me.

The Rangers could use some pitching help as well. Jacob deGrom, their ace and top free-agent signee, is out long-term with Tommy John. Having a pitcher like Verlander in tow to lead the rotation in 2023 and beyond would be extraordinarily valuable. It would also allow the Rangers to bring back deGrom slowly from a traumatic arm injury.

Houston trails Texas by two games for the AL West crown. With that race heating up, the winner of the division could be decided by just a few games. Acquiring a pitcher like Verlander would give either team a leg up on the competition.

From the Mets perspective, this is the best-case scenario. With two division rivals fighting over Verlander, it allows New York general manager Billy Eppler to drive up the asking price.

Verlander was already a controllable asset — AKA an expensive one. Now, Eppler can demand even more in return.