Here are the massive implications of Justin Verlander returning to Houston Astros
STONE COLD 'STROS
01 August 2023
Well, the deal is official, and Justin Verlander is a Houston Astro once again. What a day for Houston sports fans!
On the day of the trade deadline, GM Dana Brown pulled the trigger, sending prospects Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford to the New York Mets for Justin Verlander.
The Mets are also picking up a significant amount of his salary.
So that's $35 million of the $59M he's owed for '23-24.
Then $17.5M if he vests the 2025 option.
Which would bring the total paid to have Scherzer/Verlander pitch in the AL West to just over $90 million ... PLUS TAX! https://t.co/zjjsJRuLAy
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) August 1, 2023
And with Verlander under contract through 2024, and with a vesting option for 2025, the Astros have him under team control for the next several years. This is huge for the Astros because Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are not expected to be available at the start of next season.
Here's another perk for the Astros with JV returning. The 'Stros have seen their current rotation wear down over the season, with Cristian Javier, Framber Valdez, and Hunter Brown experiencing some fatigue. Houston could implement a six-man rotation from time to time to keep these guys fresh for the playoff push.
One other thing to consider is what hat JV will wear when he is inducted into the Hall of Fame? With him rejoining the team, will that impact his decision?
Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss all the implications of Verlander returning and what the departures of Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford could mean for Kyle Tucker and Chas McCormick.
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To say the Houston Texans have been busy this week would be a colossal understatement. The team agreed to a massive contract extension with All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr, restructured lineman Tytus Howard's contract, and signed free agent left tackle Cam Robinson to a one-year deal.
The #Texans and Danielle Hunter have agreed to a one-year, $35.6 million contract extension that makes him the NFL’s second-highest paid defensive end, per sources.
Hunter will make $32M this season — a $12.5M raise — and $55.1M ($54.1M fully guaranteed) over the next two… pic.twitter.com/SR0UbySLse
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 19, 2025
Texans GM Nick Caserio is definitely earning his paycheck this week, as there is now another extension to discuss. According to multiple reports, pass rusher Danielle Hunter has agreed to a one-year, $35.6 million extension.
Tom Pelissero is reporting in the post above that “Hunter will make $32M this season — a $12.5M raise — and $55.1M ($54.1M fully guaranteed) over the next two seasons.”
Good work if you can get it.
The Texans are making a strong push to equip QB C.J. Stroud with top talent over the next two years. This is the ideal window to invest before they face a hefty commitment to his second contract.
With fewer pressing needs, Houston can now approach the draft with flexibility, prioritizing the best players available.
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