The Detroit Tigers traded pitcher Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros for three prospects as they look to strengthen their rotation ahead of their participation in the A.L playoffs.
The veteran right-hander was sent to the Houston Astros in a last-minute exchange for prospect pitcher Franklin Perez, considered Houston’s third best prospect; outfielder Daz Cameron; and catcher Jake Rogers. The trade happened just before the August 31 midnight deadline.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Astros will pay Verlander $20 and $19 million in 2018 and 2019, respectively. While USA Today’s Bob Nightengale said that the Tigers will pay $8 million of Verlander’s salary until the end of the contract.
Verlander, a six-time All-Star adds depth and strength to the rotation of the Astros and will impose his leadership in the Houston dressing room as he has played the in playoffs before and even took part in the2006 World Series.
The 34-year-old Verlander, 2011 Cy Young Award Winner, is 10-8 with a 3.82 ERA in 28 games.
For the first time in his career, Verlander will play for another team other than the Tigers. The move came a day after the team said it was unlikely the veteran would leave the organization before midnight on Thursday.
The 2006 A.L Rookie of the Year joins the A.L West leaders and a rotation that already has ace Dallas Keuchel, Joe Musgrove, Mike Fiers, Collin McHugh, Charlie Morton, Brad Peacock and Lance McCullers Jr. who has been on the shelf since late July with a back injury.
Houston expects Verlander to be the final piece that will help the Astros advance deep in the playoffs to reach their first World Series since 2005 and the second in franchise history.
