The Houston Astros reportedly are “motivated” to finalize a reunion with former ace Justin Verlander, however, there seems to be one major hurdle that could sink a potential trade with the New York Mets.
After 12 and a half memorable years as one of the Detroit Tigers’ greatest pitchers of all time, Justin Verlander came to the Houston Astros at the trade deadline in 2017 as a 34-year-old whose best days seemed behind him. However, after five seasons and two World Series wins he created a completely new and legendary legacy in Texas.
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Yet, all good things come to an end and after winning the 2022 American League Cy Young award, the future Hall-of-Famer entered MLB free agency looking for one final massive payday. And the New York Mets gave it to him with a two-year, $86.6 million deal. Unfortunately, the signing has not worked out for the National League club and they are in sell mode heading into the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline.
That situation has opened up an unexpected opportunity for the Astros. They are currently in a dogfight with the Texas Rangers for the AL West title and know they need one more big piece to improve their chances to reach the playoffs and win a second straight championship.
- Justin Verlander stats (2023): 6-5 record, 3.15 ERA, 1.145 WHIP, 81 SO, 94.1 IP
With their starting rotation in need of a boost, MLB trade rumors have swirled over the last week that a shock Verlander-Houston reunion could come before 6 PM ET today.
Houston Astros may lack the top-tier prospects to make Justin Verlander trade
On Monday, SNY MLB insider Andy Martino revealed that the Houston Astros are indeed serious contenders for Justin Verlander, however, there is one notable hurdle that could derail a possible blockbuster trade for the player the team is very much open to keeping for 2024.
“The Houston Astros do seem motivated and there is a potential fit there if they do put together, in volume, a prospect package that the Mets like. The Astros are lacking in high-end prospects. That’s a potential roadblock but I do hear and I think that they have enough that they could assemble, with what they have, to appeal to the Mets.”
– Andy Martino
Landing notable prospects is what has been key in the trades the Mets have made so far, and the Los Angeles Dodgers were seen as favorites to acquire the ace today due to the strong prospect return they can offer.