Houston Astros Continue Engaging Mets on Verlander Trade

The Houston Astros are still in the thick of the race for New York Mets ace Justin Verlander.

Contrary to general manager Dana Brown's comments on Sunday, the Astros are engaging the Mets in trade discussion to see a reunion with Verlander according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

However, multiple hurdles remain. The largest is the fact that Houston lacks any real top prospects to get a deal done. It would take multiple prospects or the Astros willing to take on more of Verlander's remaining salary.

Verlander is in the first year of a two-year, $86.6 million contract with a $35 million option for 2025 which automatically vests if he reaches 140 innings pitched in 2024. That would have him pitching into his age-43 season.

Brown stated on Sunday that he would no longer be prioritizing starting pitching at the MLB trade deadline and instead turn his focus to bullpen help and a left-handed bat.

That no longer appears to be the case.

The next hurdle is Verlander's full no-trade clause. However, much like Max Scherzer, he is willing to waive it in order to be moved to a contender. He also appears to favor Houston, a team he has won two World Series with.

It's an interesting turn of events for both the Astros and the three-time Cy Young award winner.

After the Texas Rangers made multiple moves to better their ball club, Houston now feels they need to do the same in order to keep pace in the highly competitive American League West.

Adding Verlander back to the rotation should do just that.