Houston Astros acquire Justin Verlander back in blockbuster trade

 

Written by: MAi' Ghen Storm 

The Houston Astros made a major move at the MLB trade deadline on Tuesday, acquiring three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander from the New York Mets.

The Astros gave up two of their top prospects in the deal, outfielders Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford. Gilbert was the Astros' first-round pick in the 2022 MLB draft, while Clifford has a .919 OPS at Single-A this season.

General manager Dana Brown said he didn't feel like he was "mortgaging the farm" to acquire Verlander, adding that "when certain guys become available, you just put a full-court press."

                                  Photo credit: Jeffrey Hayes, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

"When you can acquire someone like a Justin Verlander, you're going to have to give up something," Brown said. "He's a Hall-of-Fame-like pitcher. ... At the end of the day you're going to have to give up some players to get good players."

Verlander is a proven winner, having won the AL Cy Young award three times and the World Series twice. He was dominant in his last stint with the Astros in 2022, leading the AL with a 1.75 ERA.

The Astros are hoping Verlander can help them repeat as World Series champions. They are currently in a tight battle for the AL West title, and Verlander's addition should solidify their rotation.

"Acquiring Verlander really stabilizes the rotation," Brown said. "He's a big horse, he fits right in. ... You have to give in order to get. That's the process."

The trade is a major coup for the Astros, who are now one of the favorites to win the World Series this year.