Justin Verlander is a Tiger no more. After a nearly a dozen seasons in Detroit, the 2011 AL Cy Young and MVP winner has been dealt to the Houston Astros for three minor leaguers and $10 million in cash. Verlander had wanted to go to the Chicago Cubs, but the Tigers didn't like the minor leaguers Theo Epstein was prepared to offer. So Verlander heads to the eye of the storm instead.
Although the Astros have a relatively comfortable 11.5 game lead in the AL West, Houston came back down to earth with an 11-18 August. The Astros needed a top starter as 2015 AL Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh have struggled and are awaiting Lance McCullers, Jr. return from the DL and are likely to want to ease him back into the rotation. Verlander more than meets those credentials.
Verlander has been a fixture in Detroit since 2006 when he won the AL Rookie of the Year on a surprise AL pennant winner. He leaves the Motor City with a record of 183-114 with a 3.49 ERA and 2,373 career strikeouts. Verlander has pitched in two World Series and has tossed two no-hitters not to mention landing Kate Upton. In 28 starts this season, Verlander is 10-8 with a 3.82 ERA with 176 strikeouts. At 34, Verlander has a chance at both 300 wins and 3,000 strikeouts and possibly a plaque in Cooperstown.
Astros fans will be delighted that Verlander won't be a rental as he will be under contract with Houston through 2019 plus a vesting option in 2020. His arrival will also be a nice respite from dealing Hurricane Harvey.
This wasn't the only Justin the Tigers traded today. Earlier, the Tigers traded outfielder Justin Upton to the Los Angeles Angels. The Halos also added Atlanta Braves second baseman Brandon Phillips. Upton and Phillips will likely be rentals for the Angels as Upton has an opt out provision in his contract while Phillips will become a free agent at season's end. Wherever Upton ends up next season, he and Verlander could very well meet each other in the ALDS if the Angels should capture an AL Wild Card spot. To make room for Upton, the Angels sent Cameron Maybin to the Astros. Although Maybin is essentially a fourth outfielder, he is tied with new teammate Jose Altuve for the AL lead in stolen bases with 29.
Meanwhile, the Tigers rebuilding project has only just begun. Will the rebuilding be done with or without Brad Ausmus?
But right now all eyes are on Houston, but this time for a good reason.
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