The detroit tigers traded veteran pitcher Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros for three prospects late Thursday. According to MLB.com, the Tigers received right-hander Franklin Perez, outfielder Daz Cameron and catcher Jake Rogers from the Astros for Verlander, who won the American League Cy Young award in 2011. The deal was reached minutes before the Aug. 31 deadline for players to be eligible for the postseason roster. Verlander had to waive his no-trade clause for the trade to materialize. With Verlander now in their fold, the Astros will have a formidable 1-2-3 rotation together with Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers Jr.
Verlander a welcome addition
The 34-year-old Verlander has a 10-8 record with a 3.82 ERA in 28 starts for the Tigers this season. Since July 30, Verlander has a 5-1 record with 2.06 ERA in seven starts. On Wednesday, he allowed just one run in six innings in the Tigers’ win over the Colorado Rockies. In his career, Verlander has 183 career wins and 16 career playoff starts under his belt. In the playoffs, Verlander has a 7-5 record with a 3.39 ERA, and has played in two World Series for the Tigers, who took him second overall in 2004. Currently, the Astros have an 80-53 mark, 11.5 and 14.0 games ahead of the Los Angeles and the Texas Rangers, respectively, in the American League West.
Astros thought deal was dead
In an interview with MLB.com, Astros owner Jim Crane said Verlander is a quality pitcher that the team needs as it enters into the crucial stretch approaching the postseason. Crane said Verlander will add a new dimension to the team, especially when the team reaches the playoffs. “I think it's great for the team, I think the players will be excited and fans will be excited,” Crane said.
The best thing, Verlander is under control through 2019 for $56 million, including a $22 million vesting option for 2020 if he finishes in the top five of Cy Young voting in 2019. The Tigers will shell out $8 million annually to help the Astros offset the deal. In addition, the Astros retained prized prospects – outfielder Kyle Tucker and pitcher Forrest Whitley – while landing Verlander.
Before trading for Verlander, the Astros acquired veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin off waivers from the Angels. The 30-year-old Maybin has six home runs and 22 RBIs for the Angels in 93 games this season. He also has stolen 29 bases, tying teammate Jose Altuve for No. 1 in the American League. The Astros were off Friday after relocating their series against the Rangers to St. Petersburg. They will play doubleheader at Minute Maid Park against the New York Mets on Saturday.
