Mets trade Justin Verlander to the Astros

**pwaldo** · 08-01-2023, 09:34 PM

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ml...wo-titles.html

The Houston Astros are reportedly reacquiring Justin Verlander from the New York Mets for a pair of minor-league outfielders.

ESPN and USA Today reported the deal ahead of Tuesday's MLB trade deadline. The nine-time All-Star had the right to veto any move, given his no-trade clause, but apparently was happy to return to the Astros, who are second in the AL West at 60-47.

Including his $35 million player option for 2025, Verlander is owed $93 million over the remainder of the contract, but USA Today’s Bob Nightengale is reporting that the Mets will send $54 million to the Astros as part of the deal.

He's been solid in 2023 despite some early season woes. The righty has posted a 3.15 ERA while allowing just 1.14 baserunners per inning over 16 appearances for the Mets. And Verlander has been nearly unhittable over his last six starts, posting a 1.69 ERA while holding opposing hitters to a .167 average over 37 1/3 innings.

Last season, en route to his third Cy Young and second World Series title, Verlander recorded a remarkable 1.75 ERA with a miniscule 0.83 WHIP (walks and hits per inning) before winning Game 5 of the World Series over Philadelphia.