Justin Verlander back with Astros as Mets unload second ace at MLB trade deadline

Justin Verlander back with Astros as Mets unload second ace at MLB trade deadline

As part of a major restructuring amid a lackluster 2023 season, the Mets have traded Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros, marking a homecoming for Verlander just before the MLB trade deadline. This follows their recent offloading of Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers.

The official trade terms involve Verlander and some cash considerations being traded for outfielders Drew Gilbert, the Astros’ top prospect as per MLB Pipeline, and Ryan Clifford, ranked fourth in the Astros’ minor league system.

Part of the deal includes the Mets reportedly contributing $35.5 million towards Verlander’s contract for the next two seasons. Additionally, if Verlander opts for his 2025 season option, another $17.5 million will be sent.

Verlander, who signed a two-year deal worth $86.67 million during the offseason, had to approve the move to Houston due to his no-trade clause. He gave his approval, making way for a reunion with the team he won the Cy Young and World Series with in 2022.

Having traded Verlander and Scherzer, the two highest-paid players per year in the league’s history, Mets owner Steve Cohen seems intent on focusing on developing the team’s young core for the future. As part of their blockbuster trades, the Mets acquired a slew of prospects, including Drew Gilbert and Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of Ronald Acuña Jr.

Despite starting the season with a league-leading payroll of $344 million, the Mets are lagging near the bottom of the NL East. With a 50-55 record, they’re 17.5 games behind division leaders, the Atlanta Braves, and six games short of a wild-card spot in the packed National League race.

Justin Verlander back with Astros as Mets unload second ace at MLB trade deadline

On the flip side, the Astros, currently half a game behind the AL West leaders, the Rangers, are in the second wild-card slot. Although Verlander hasn’t matched his Cy Young performance this season, his 3.15 ERA over 94.1 innings is a valuable addition to the Astros’ pitching team, particularly with key players like Jose Urquidy, Luis Garcia, and Lance McCullers Jr. all on the 60-day injured list.

Verlander had a highly successful stint in Houston from 2017, achieving a 2.26 ERA over 652 innings with 825 strikeouts in five seasons.