Examining latest insider reports on Astros, Justin Verlander negotiations
BREAKING THE BANK
16 November 2022
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Mets, Dodgers, and Yankees could all be in the mix for a high-dollar contract offer to Justin Verlander. Something similar to the 3-year 130 million dollar deal Max Scherzer signed with the Mets.
Astros owner Jim Crane said he believes if they match what JV is offered, his relationship with Verlander could win the “tie,” but it also means they will have to pay top of the market value to retain his services. And according to reports, Verlander is looking to cash in during free agency, so a hometown discount doesn't appear to be something he's willing to do.
Plus, going over the luxury tax could also be a sticking point for the Astros.
Be sure to check out the video above as ESPN Houston's Jake Asman, Cody Stoots, and Brad Kellner discuss on The Wheelhouse.
LISTEN to The Wheelhouse on ESPN Houston 97.5 or 92.5 FM every weekday from 3-7 PM CST!
Coach Ime Udoka has agreed to a contract extension with the Houston Rockets, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn’t been announced. No details on the terms of the contract were available.
The move comes after Udoka led the Rockets to the second-best record in the Western Conference this season and their first playoff berth since the 2019-20 season. Houston made a remarkable turnaround in his two seasons in charge after being among the worst teams in the NBA the three seasons before his hiring.
The Rockets, who won just 42 games combined in the two seasons before Udoka was hired, went 41-41 in his first season before going 52-30 this season for their first winning record since 2019-20. Houston lost to the Golden State Warriors in seven games in the first round of the playoffs this season.
Udoka led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2022, then was suspended for the following season after the disclosure of an inappropriate relationship with a female Celtics employee.
The 47-year-old was hired in April 2023 to replace Stephen Silas, who was fired after three losing seasons.
ESPN was first to report the contract extension.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
