TRADE: Mets' Verlander On The Move Back to American League

The New York Mets selloff has reached its peak. 3-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander is the latest high-priced veteran to be on the move, and he's heading back to a familiar place. 

Full trade, per ESPN sources:

Astros receive: RHP Justin Verlander.

Mets receive: OF Drew Gilbert and OF Ryan Clifford.

Deal is done.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 1, 2023

Verlander spent 4 1/2 years with the Astros, and won two World Series with them, including last season. He had to approve the trade as he has a no-trade provision in the deal he signed with the Mets, and of course, given the familiarity, he approved it. 

Verlander signed a 2-Year, $86M contact with the Mets last winter, but with the team having a disappointing season and waving the white flag, he's now on his way back to a contender. 

The 40-year-old has a 3.15 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP this year and will provide a massive boost to the Houston rotation. 

The Mets receive: OF Drew Gilbert and OF Ryan Clifford.

Photo: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports