Astros Rumors: 3 last-minute trades Houston needs to make to win World Series

2. Astros reunite with RHP Justin Verlander in trade with Mets

Speaking of Justin Verlander, why not facilitate a reunion? The Mets traded top ace Max Scherzer to the Astros’ cross-state rivals in Arlington, which only increases the urgency with which the Houston front office needs to operate.

The Rangers dished out a top-50 prospect in Luisangel Acuña to pry Scherzer away from New York. Also of note, Verlander has a no-trade clause, so he would need to approve any trade destination. If the Astros can meet New York’s asking price for the 40-year-old future Hall of Famer, one has to imagine Verlander would sign off on a return to Houston.

Verlander won his second ring with the Astros last season and pitched the best season of his career at 39 years old. His 1.75 ERA from 2022 probably isn’t replicable, but he clearly unlocked something with Houston’s pitching staff and the Astros should at least express interest in bringing Verlander back into the fold.

His contract is worth $43.3 million annually through next season with a $35 vested option for 2025, his age-42 season. That’s a significant financial commitment for Houston, but that could also knock down the price required to get a three-time Cy Young winner back in the clubhouse. The Astros are in win-now mode and should be willing to bite the bullet on a couple long-term risks.

Even in what has been widely considered a down year, Verlander is slinging high-90s heat with a 3.15 ERA and 1.145 WHIP. He’s still averaging double-digit strikeouts per nine innings and he has a winning record (6-5) despite the Mets’ overall struggles.