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Here are the short and long-term implications of Verlander's return to Astros

The Houston Astros sent shock waves through MLB on Tuesday when they traded for future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander. And the addition of JV clearly is making an impact in the betting markets.

Adding Verlander immediately changed Houston's odds for this season. The Astros are now the favorites to win the American League, with only the Dodgers and Braves having better odds to win the World Series. But that's just looking at the immediate impact of the move. Another factor to consider is Houston's championship window.

That window has been extended, at least for another two or three years with Verlander under team control for the foreseeable future. However, once the Astros reach the 2026 season, it may be time for a lengthy rebuild considering the state of the farm system and contracts that are set to expire by then.

But who knows, that's a long time from now, and the Astros are looking to go all in and cement their dynasty with a third championship. Tuesday certainly was a landmark day for Astros fans, and not just because of Verlander.

Not to be upstaged, Framber Valdez went out and tossed a no-hitter against the Cleveland Guardians. What a time to be an Astros fan!

Be sure to watch the video above as we examine all the implications of the trade deadline, and much more!

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Listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekday mornings on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.

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After another poor performance from former Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns' season is starting to look like an uphill climb. Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb is out for the year, and Cleveland fans aren't too pleased with the way Watson is playing, especially considering the massive contract extension he signed with the team. And we didn't even get to the off the field drama that comes with Watson.

However, Houston fans are invested in the Browns' season outcome as well, with the Texans holding the Browns' first round pick in 2024, and having sent their own first rounder to the Cardinals in the Will Anderson trade.

So each loss for the Browns, means a better draft pick for the Texans!

For Houston, it looks like they have their QB of the future in CJ Stroud. And he'll be on a less expensive rookie contract for the next several years, giving the Texans more cap space to upgrade the roster.

With all of this in mind, is it fair to question if the Texans dodged a bullet when Watson demanded a trade?

DeMeco Ryans vs. Lovie Smith

Plus, we're only two games into the season, but Lovie Smith's defense was much better (with a similar roster) than what DeMeco Ryans' defense has shown thus far, and DeMeco has the benefit of Will Anderson rushing the QB.

Are the struggles on defense more about the roster GM Nick Caserio has put together, or does this slow start fall on DeMeco?

Don't miss the video above as we break it all down!

If you enjoy the videos, subscribe to our new channel SportsMap Texans on YouTube.

And listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekday mornings on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.

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