Justin Verlander Traded to Astros
With just minutes to go until the calendar flipped to September, the Tigers agreed to deal Justin Verlander and a player to be named later or cash to the Astros for three prospects.
Houston will send Detroit minor leaguers Franklin Perez, Daz Cameron and Jake Rodgers. Referring to MLB.com's prospect rankings, Perez slotted as the Astros' third-best prospect while Cameron was ranked No. 9 and Rodgers No. 11.
It appeared talks hit a snag at the last moment when, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reported, Verlander wouldn't waive his no-trade clause or the Astros rescinded part of their offer. The two sides apparently worked out a deal with a minute to go, according toFanRag Sports' Jon Heyman, allowing Verlander to be added to the Astros' 40-man roster before midnight Eastern Time. Players must be added to team's 40-man rosters before Sept. 1 to be eligible for the postseason roster.
Now Houston can gear up for the ALDS with Verlander, Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers headlining their rotation. Verlander, who will be 35 at the start of next season, still has two years and $56 million remaining on his contract. A $22 million option in 2020 will vest if he finishes in the top five for Cy Young voting in 2019.
Verlander has played his entire 13-year career with the Tigers and currently has a 10-8 record with a 3.82 ERA.
