As everyone knows, three-time Cy Young Award winner, Justin Verlander, found himself back in familiar Astros gear after a chaotic trade process that sent him back to Houston from the New York Mets.
The trade, which took place just before the deadline, saw the Astros parting with top prospects Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford to acquire Verlander.
Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events, Verlander expressed: “It was just a whirlwind, man. You commit to a team and you commit to trying to win a championship there and that’s your vision. You’re all-in and then a few months later you’re back with the team you were with the last season.”
Verlander, who had been instrumental in the Astros’ success from 2017 to 2022, helping them secure two World Series crowns, seemed both excited and bewildered to reunite with his former teammates.
“It’s exciting seeing all the guys again,” he said. “It feels a little weird because it hasn’t been that long, so it feels like you don’t miss a beat and you’re right back in the locker room. But on the other hand, there’s this whole segment that happened. So here I am, still staying in my apartment in New York. It’s a really odd feeling. Hard to explain.”
Part of the trade deal also involved the Mets sending up to $50 million to the Astros to assist with Verlander’s contract, a two-year deal worth a guaranteed $86.7 million, which he signed in December after the Astros World Series victory.
The trade came as a surprise to Verlander himself, who had previously stated he was happy with the Mets and didn’t envision leaving after just one season. However, the Mets struggles and falling out of contention prompted them to make significant moves, including trading Verlander’s teammate and co-ace Max Scherzer to Texas.
Despite the unusual circumstances, Verlander is now focused on helping the Astros in their playoff push. “Just along for the ride and now trying to compete and win a championship,” he remarked during his news conference.
The Astros, right in the thick of the playoff race, have been on a surge since the All-Star break and hope that Verlander’s return will bolster their chances of reclaiming the top spot in the division.
Verlander’s first start for the Astros following the trade will be a third consecutive start in New York, a coincidence that adds another twist to this surprising chapter in his storied 18-year career.
Does the Astros addition of Verlander make them the favorite in the American League?
How much longer do you see Verlander pitching at this current level?