TRADE DEADLINE
Houston Astros strengthen their rotation and trade for Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander returns to Houston. Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images.
According to multiple sources, the Houston Astros have a deal in place to trade for Justin Verlander.
Justin Verlander and the #Astros won two World Series titles together, now they're back together vying for a 3rd title.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 1, 2023
Bob Nightengale is reporting that two minor league players will be heading to New York in the deal. Astros top prospect Drew Gilbert and OF Ryan Clifford.
Wow, Astros pay a massive price. Gilbert, a first-round pick last year, is their top prospect. Clifford is No. 4, according to MLB Pipeline https://t.co/AgIV87JvuM
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) August 1, 2023
Verlander is 6-5 this season with a 3.15 ERA. It will be interesting to see if the Mets send cash to Houston as well. We'll continue to update the details of the contract as more information becomes available.
Justin Verlander in July:
2nd in NL in OPS allowed (.477)
3rd in NL in opp. AVG (.167)
Astros rotation this year:
13th in AL in OPS allowed (.727)
10th in AL in opp. AVG (.247)
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) August 1, 2023
Nightengale is reporting that the Mets are sending the Astros $54 million. I believe Bob meant $39 million over 2 1/3 years.
The New York #Mets are sending the #Astros about $54 million in the Justin Verlander trade, one executive said, if Verlander's $35 million option in 2025 becomes vested.
Verlander is owed about $93 million, meaning the #Astros would pay Verlander about $29 million for 2 1/3 years
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 1, 2023
Here are more details on the cash the Mets are sending.
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