Here’s When Justin Verlander Knew He Might Be Traded

Justin Verlander didn't know it at the time, but he was in store for a reunion with the Houston Astros at the trade deadline.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander told Fox Sports on Thursday when he knew it was time to worry that the New York Mets might be looking to trade him.

“Really when they traded (David) Robertson, it's like, Oh, no,” Verlander said. “And then when Max (Scherzer) got traded, it's like, ‘Alright, it's time to have a serious discussion about how it's gonna go.’”

Robertson was dealt to the Miami Marlins, the first of three trades involving pitchers for the Mets. Then came the Scherzer deal, when the Mets sent the three-time Cy Young winner to the Texas Rangers, who lead the American League West.

After the trade he remained in New York since the Astros were wrapping up a homestand and he pitched on Saturday. The Astros are facing the Yankees in the Bronx this weekend and Verlander is expected to start on Saturday.

Verlander’s return to the Astros was the only deal he was presented, he told media during a pre-game press conference. He did not veto any other deals, but the Astros were his first choice.

At a certain point, a trade became Verlander’s only choice.

“It wasn't easy, you know, like I said, we try to maintain a positive attitude, no matter what's going on,” Verlander said. “So, even to the last bitter moment, the bitter end, you know, I was like, ‘We can still do this, you know, we can still do this,’ and I'm not saying they can’t. But obviously, I've moved on.”

The Astros paid a price in prospects to reunite with Verlander, who pitched on their two World Series champions — No. 1 prospect Drew Gilbert, an outfielder, and a Top 5 prospect in outfielder Ryan Clifford. The Mets are also going to help the Astros out with the cost of the remainder of Verlander’s deal, which runs through 2024 and includes a vesting option for 2025.

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