The Houston Astros made quite a splash on the last day of August. And it might be what makes the difference during their likely playoff run in the American League.
Late on Thursday – or technically, Friday – past 1 AM the move was confirmed. The Astros acquired Justin Verlander from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for outfielder Daz Cameron, right-hander Franklin Perez and catcher Jake Rogers. Detroit will also receive a player to be named later or cash in the deal.
One could say Houston gave up a lot for a pitcher who hasn’t been impressive this season. After all, the 34-year-old Verlander is 10-8 with a 3.82 ERA in 28 starts this season. He hasn’t been on the same level he was last season when he came close to win the AL Cy Young, but he’s been a serviceable starter. And that’s more what we can say about the Houston rotation in 2017.
And it is worth noting the Astros might the best version of Verlander this season. The veteran has a 4-1 record with a 2.36 ERA in six starts in August. Maybe he’s hitting the right notes at the right time, and Houston would certainly be happy if that’s the case. They need him at his best if they want to make a deep playoff run. But at least on paper, the move makes a lot of sense.
The trade gives the American League West leaders a powerful 1-2-3 punch at the top of their rotation. Right now, Houston would have 2015 Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers pairing with Verlander. Verlander who won the AL Cy Young and MVP awards in 2011, and finished second in the AL Cy Young race in 2016.
As if that wasn’t enough, Houston is also receiving a playoff-tested veteran who already knows what it’s like to pitch in the playoffs. The six-time All-Star who has five postseason appearances under his belt. For what is worth, he is 7-5 with a 3.39 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 16 career starts in the playoffs.
The Astros’ Achilles Heel this season has been their rotation. But they received a major boost with the capture of Verlander. He might not have a lot of upside and comes with an expensive contract. However, he’s a winner with lots of experience. And most importantly, he wants to win a ring and that wasn’t going to happen in Detroit.
Houston needed someone like him both on and off the mound. Especially considering they are in win-now mode and have a window for contention open for, at least, the next four or five years. Now it’s Verlander’s time to deliver.