Houston Astros Acquire Justin Verlander in Blockbuster Trade with the Mets
HOUSTON — In a stunning move prior to the Trade Deadline, the Houston Astros have acquired veteran pitcher Justin Verlander from the New York Mets. Verlander, who previously played for the Astros from 2017-2022, returns to Minute Maid Park less than a year after he left.
The Astros sent outfielders Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford, their top two prospects, to the Mets in exchange for Verlander. Additionally, Houston will receive a significant amount of cash in the deal. Verlander is owed approximately $58 million in 2023-2024, with the Mets agreeing to pay $35 million of that amount. If Verlander’s vesting option for 2025 is triggered, the Mets will also contribute another $17.5 million.
The acquisition of Verlander is a major boost for the Astros, who have been chasing the Texas Rangers in the American League West standings. The Rangers recently made significant additions to their rotation, but the Astros have now countered by re-acquiring Verlander, a two-time Cy Young winner.
Verlander had an impressive season in 2022, winning his third AL Cy Young Award and helping the Astros capture their second World Series title. In his final start with the Mets on Sunday, Verlander earned his 250th career win and demonstrated his continued excellence on the mound. This season, he has a 3.15 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 16 starts, with a 1.49 ERA in his last seven starts.
With Verlander back in the rotation, the Astros now have a formidable pitching staff, including the likes of Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, and rookies Hunter Brown and J.P. France.
During his previous tenure with the Astros, Verlander made a significant impact, earning two World Series rings and being named Most Valuable Player of the 2017 ALCS. He missed the 2021 season due to injury, but returned in 2022 to lead the Astros to another World Series championship.
Verlander’s exceptional performance last season, leading the AL in various statistical categories, solidified his reputation as one of the best pitchers in the game. His ERA of 1.75 was the lowest by an AL pitcher since 2000.
The Astros will now look to Verlander to help propel them further in their pursuit of a playoff spot and another deep postseason run. With Verlander back in their rotation, the Astros have significantly strengthened their chances of success in the second half of the season.