Houston Astros and Mets in Deep Discussions Regarding Blockbuster Verlander Trade

The Houston Astros and New York Mets are in trade discussions to send ace Justin Verlander back to the Space City.

Kade Kistner | Jul 29, 2023

Houston Astros and Mets in Deep Discussions Regarding Blockbuster Verlander Trade /

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The Houston Astros could see a reunion with their former ace Justin Verlander as the New York Mets have reportedly exchanged names according to Michael Schwab.

Verlander is currently in the first year of a two-year, $86.6 million contract with a third year vesting option for $35 million in 2025. It's a contract that the Astros were unwilling to match in the offseason as the Mets were hoping to put together one of the best rotations in MLB.

As New York has fallen far from contention, moving Verlander seems like the obvious choice.

While Houston has some prospect ammo to get the job done, money coming back from the Mets is a certain must to help pay down some of his remaining contract.

Verlander returning to the Astros would be a huge boon to a Houston rotation that has already lost so much to injury this season.

The right-hander has compiled a 3.24 ERA with a 1.146 WHIP in 89.0 innings pitched this season. Those numbers are nearly identical to his career numbers. Despite a slow start, Verlander has been absolutely dominant through the month of July.

Verlander also holds a full-no trade clause, something he would have to waive to see a reunion with his former team.

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Published Jul 29, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.