Justin Verlander trade rumors: Houston Astros exhibiting high interest in re-acquiring ace

Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander could be leaving the New York Mets to rejoin the Houston Astros ahead of the trade deadline. The Astros have expressed a strong desire to acquire Verlander, who has regained his form after a slow start to his Mets career. The 40-year-old's return to the Astros could be significant for the team, which is currently struggling with injuries. However, the trade won't be straightforward as Verlander will need to waive his full-no-trade clause. The Mets' strategy became evident after the recent trade of Max Scherzer. Verlander previously had a successful stint with the Astros, winning the World Series twice.

In the world of Major League Baseball, veteran pitcher Justin Verlander is making headlines as reports suggest that he may be leaving the New York Mets to rejoin the Houston Astros before the trade deadline. Verlander had signed a lucrative two-year, $86.7 million contract with the Mets in 2022, with an option for a third year. However, due to the Mets' struggles this season, it seems that Verlander's time with the club may be coming to an end.

Despite a slow start to his Mets career, Verlander has been able to regain his form over the past couple of months, despite being plagued by a hip injury. In the current season, he has pitched 89.0 innings and achieved an impressive 3.24 ERA (Earned Run Average) with a 1.146 WHIP (Walks Plus Hits Per Inning Pitched).

Insider Héctor Gómez, who is well-versed in the world of MLB, has revealed that the Houston Astros are eager to bring Verlander back into their ranks before the trade deadline on August 1st. The Astros have been dealing with their fair share of injuries this season, so the addition of a seasoned veteran like Verlander could prove to be a significant signing as they strive to secure the top spot in the American League West.

However, Verlander's return to the Astros won't be a simple trade. He will need to waive his full-no-trade clause in order to reunite with his former team. While it may seem like a long shot at the moment, considering the Mets' recent moves, such as the sale of Max Scherzer, it's clear that they have a strategy in place for the trade deadline.

Scherzer, who was signed alongside Verlander during the same offseason, has not lived up to expectations this season and was ultimately traded to the Texas Rangers. This move came after Scherzer expressed his frustration with the trade of David Robertson to the Miami Marlins earlier in the week. As part of the Scherzer deal, Luisangel Acuña, the brother of Ronald Acuña Jr., joined the Mets.

It's evident that the Mets are going through a transitional phase, and they don't want to miss out on the opportunity to maximize Verlander's value before the trade deadline. Verlander has a storied history with the Astros, having won the World Series twice during his time with the team from 2017 to 2022. In his debut season with the Astros, he was named the ALCS MVP and also received the prestigious Babe Ruth Award. In 2022, he was awarded the AL Comeback Player of the Year after leading the league in wins, following a challenging 2021 season.

So, as the trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on Justin Verlander and the possibility of his return to the Houston Astros. Will he choose to waive his no-trade clause and reunite with his former team? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – Verlander's presence would undoubtedly make a significant impact on the Astros' pursuit of success in the American League West.

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