Mets ‘trade Justin Verlander back to Astros’ as three-time Cy Young winner is set to return Houston, where he won World Series titles in 2017 and 2022

  • Verlander had been the subject of trade rumors since Max Scherzer was dealt 
  • The three-time Cy Young winner has won two World Series crows with Houston 
  • DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news

By Alex Raskin Sports News Editor For Dailymail.com

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

ESPN and USA Today have 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. 

Verlander is signed through next season with a potential option for 2025 after agreeing to an $86.7 million, two-year contract with the Mets in December.

He’s been solid in 2023 despite some early season injury 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. 

Justin Verlander, 40, has been solid in 2023 despite some early season injury woes

Justin Verlander, 40, has been solid in 2023 despite some early season injury woes

In exchange for Verlander, the struggling Mets acquired minor-league outfielders Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Gilbert, 22, has a .241 average and impressive .342 on-base percentage in Double-A, while Clifford, 20, has been solid in high Single-A, hitting 16 home runs and recording a.271 average. 

Verlander has been the subject of trade rumors since the Mets dealt another ace, Max Scherzer, to the Texas Rangers last week. 

Sitting below .500, New York covered a significant portion Scherzer’s salary in its deal with Texas for top prospect Luisangel Acuña and may have done the same to land better talent in exchange for Verlander.

The Mets are currently slashing payroll and adding prospects in hopes of having a better 2024 season. Other players who could be dealt before the 6pm EST deadline include outfielder Tommy Pham, starter Jose Quintana, and relievers Adam Ottavino and Brooks Raley, according to ESPN. 

:



***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk