The Houston Astros were seemingly battling it out with the Los Angeles Dodgers to acquire Justin Verlander ahead of Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline.
That has now come to fruition with Houston re-acquiring Verlander from the New York Mets Tuesday afternoon, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The return reportedly includes Houston’ top prospect, outfielder Drew Gilbert. New York also acquires the Astros’ No. 4 prospect, fellow outfielder Ryan Clifford.
According to various notes, the Mets are paying $54 million of the $93 million remaining on Verlander’s contract should his 2025 option vest. Hence, why they were able to acquire two top prospects. This comes after owner Steve Cohen and Co. paid north of $35 million remaining on Max Scherzer’s contract after sending him to the Texas Rangers over the weekend.
This is the latest example of Cohen flexing his financial muscle to acquire top young prospects while picking up salary in the process.
Verlander, 40, pitched with the Astros from 2017-22 before signing a two-year, $86.7 million contract with the Mets this past winter. He won the American League Cy Young as a member of the Astros last season, pitching to a 21-6 record with a 1.75 ERA and 0.83 WHIP. Things have not been as great thus far this season.
Justin Verlander stats (2023): 6-5 record, 3.15 ERA, 1.15 WHIP
Though, it must be noted that Verlander has posted a 1.49 ERA over his past seven starts. This is the clearest indication yet that he’s returning to form.
For the Astros, this is a pretty huge move as the defending World Series champs look to compete with the Texas Rangers in the American League West heading down the stretch.
Verlander now rejoins a Houston Astros rotation that has had its ups and downs on the season. J.P. France (7-3 record, 2.85 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) has been tremendous. Framber Valdez (8-7 record, 3.29 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) has also done his thing.
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Details of Justin Verlander trade to the Houston Astros
As noted above, New York was able to acquire the top prospect in the Astros’ farm system in that of former first-round pick Drew Gilbert. He also ranks 68th in all of baseball, according to MLB.com. As for Ryan Clifford, he comes in at No. 4 among Houston’s prospects.
Gilbert is hitting .274 with 12 homers, 38 RBI and 10 stolen bases in between Single-A and Double-A this season. He seen as a prospect with top-end hand-eye coordination, power and speed.
Meanwhile, Clifford has dominated lower-level minor league pitching since the Astros made him an 11th-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. Still only 20, he’s hitting .291 with 18 homers, 61 RBI and a .919 OPS in the minors this season.
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From the Mets’ perspective, it’s clear that their fire sale has one thing in mind outside of saving some cash. Acquiring these assets could lead to a blockbuster trade during the winter after what has been a disastrous season for a team that headed into MLB games today with a 50-55 record.
As for the Astros, they bring back one of the best pitchers in the modern era. While the price was high, the defending champs are in win-now mode.