Pitcher Justin Verlander Traded Back to Houston Astros

The final hours of the MLB trade deadline is a mad rush of action. Surely the biggest event of the day, at least one of them, is the Houston Astros welcoming back shoo-in Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander from the New York Mets.

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Justin Verlander Returns to the Houston Astros

What a strange 12 months. At this time a year ago the Houston Astros were gearing up for another playoff push, with Justin Verlander as one of the key components to their success. The team went on to capture the World Series and Verlander the American League Cy Young.

He signed with the New York Mets in the offseason, a move that got baseball fans everywhere buzzing. New York has been patently mediocre as we enter August (50-55) and the starting pitcher hasn’t been himself, in part due to injuries (6-5 and a 3.15 ERA). The Houston Astros are, guess what, in a chase for the AL West lead and have a chance to repeat as World Series champions.

The New York Mets will get outfielder Drew Gilbert and another prospect. New York also agrees to continue paying at least part of Verlander’s salary.

Houston has been busy, having already sent starter Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers and relief pitcher David Robertson to the Marlins.

The Astros (60-47) continue their series against the Cleveland Guardians (53-54) at home on Tuesday evening.