The Houston Astros are off to a very disappointing start to the season.
Although still relatively early, no one in Houston was expecting a mediocre 22-28 stumble out of the gates.
Starting out 12-22, the Astros are beginning to turn things around just a bit. But despite the slight glimmer of hope, concerns are mounting in the big picture.
As a matter of fact, trade speculations are beginning to swirl when it comes to a few Astros in particular – one being future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander.
The 41-year-old veteran pitcher has made it clear how comfortable he is in Houston, but the clock is ticking on his career, and he is hungry to make another World Series title run.
With the Astros stuck in neutral, many are wondering if they’ll even be alive for a playoff spot come the stretch run of the season.
Needless to say, that’s something that’s strange to even think about considering how talented the Astros are.
After being a perennial bottom-feeder, the Astros have built themselves up to being one of the elite organizations in all of baseball over the past several seasons.
With some key stars beginning to age, could that all soon be changing?
Regardless, you can count Bob Nightengale of USA Today as one insider who has thrown cold water on the whole Verlander-trade block idea.
As Nightengale points out, Verlander has a full no-trade clause and has virtually no urge to leave Houston.
“It’s time to stop the speculation that the Houston Astros would trade Cy Young winner Justin Verlander at the trade deadline if they are out of the race … Verlander has a complete no-trade clause, and loves playing in Houston,” Nightengale reported.
Nightengale emphasized Verlander’s steadfast commitment to the Astros, recalling last season’s trade saga when the New York Mets sought to move him.
“The Mets were in deep trade discussions last summer involving Verlander with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, and Tampa Bay Rays, but Verlander informed the Mets that he wouldn’t approve a trade unless it was Houston,” Nightengale revealed.
The Astros certainly have the talent and experience to dig out of their current hole.
Besides the Wild Card remaining an avenue, there’s no club in the AL West who figures to run away with the division.
If Houston is to make a legitimate postseason run, Verlander is going to have to play a big part.
Sure, his best days are long behind him, but if his work-load is managed correctly, he could prove to be a dangerous weapon on the mound come late in the season.
He’s 2-2 with a 3.97 ERA on the season. In his 34 innings pitched, he has 26 strikeouts to 14 walks.
While far from terrible, those numbers will need to improve if the Astros hope to be in the mix come October – especially since Houston’s pitching staff is struggling as a whole.
Still, it’s fair to wonder if Verlander’s tune will change if the Astros completely fall apart leading up to the trade deadline.
While that’s a very unlikely scenario, it’s still possible.
Either way, you can expect contending teams – such as the New York Yankees – to at least inquire about Verlander.
(Although a whole lot of ice would have to be thawed out on that phone line since the two teams absolutely despise each other.)
Interestingly, FanSided recently proposed a trade that would send Verlander back to his roots with the Detroit Tigers.
In return for Verlander, the Tigers would send pitching prospect Ty Madden to Houston.
While intriguing, it’s safe to say the Astros would want a little more in return than that.
Having said that, the love between Verlander and Detroit remains strong to this day. The Tigers might be the only non-contending club that Verlander would ever consider waiving his no-trade clause for.
What are your thoughts on Verlander?
How much does he truly have left in the tank?
Are you a believer in the Astros demise? … Or do you think they will eventually get things turned around?
At the end of the day, is there ANY chance Verlander gets traded???