Houston Astros and Mets in Deep Discussions Regarding Blockbuster Verlander Trade
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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