MLB Rumors: Astros used a wild card to convince Justin Verlander of Houston return

Justin Verlander is reunited with the Houston Astros — and one factor in particular helped get the deal across the finish line. 

The Houston Astros were under tremendous pressure to make a move after the Texas Rangers’ trades for Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery. Well, mission accomplished — Houston made the move, acquiring three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander from the New York Mets.

Verlander spent last season with the Astros. He posted the best ERA of his career (1.75), won his third Cy Young award, and more importantly, he won his second ring. Now he will attempt to rinse and repeat.

The Astros blew the chance to re-sign Verlander in the offseason, but there are no hard feelings. Verlander has a no-trade clause and could have vetoed a move to Houston, but clearly he wants to be back with the Astros. The opportunity to compete is part of the appeal, but there were multiple contenders rumored to have interest in Verlander.

His close personal relationships in Houston are what pushed the deal over the goal line.

MLB Rumors: Relationship with Jim Crane pushed Justin Verlander back to Astros

Owner Jim Crane helmed the Astros’ offseason negotiations with Verlander and ultimately allowed the ace to depart for New York on a two-year, $86.6 million contract. That was clearly a mistake — one Crane swiftly rectified when the opportunity presented itself.

Verlander is known to have loved his first stint in Houston. Of course he did. Two rings, two top-15 MVP finishes, and strong relationships with folks up and down the organization. Now he has a chance to rekindle those relationships and pursue that elusive third ring.

Good on Crane for not letting pride get in the way. Same to Verlander, who could have easily spurned the Astros as payback for perceived disrespect. But, it’s clear Houston is the best place for Verlander — both from a competitive standpoint and a personal standpoint. This move is a win for the Astros, a win for Verlander, and frankly, it’s probably a win for the Mets too.

As New York continues its fire sale and soft “repurposing,” the Astros are loading up in a dire area of need. With three starters on the IL, the Astros desperately needed another top arm to pair with Framber Valdez atop the pitching rotation. Verlander is 40 years old and there are concerns about the long-term aspects of his contract, but he’s still dealing his best stuff right now. The Astros can worry about the future in the future, but the goal is to position themselves for another World Series run this season. Verlander absolutely boosts their pursuit in a meaningful way.