NEW YORK — The Houston Astros hat and T-shirt have been acquainted to Justin Verlander.
But the chaotic course of that landed him at Yankee Stadium on Thursday was not like something the three-time Cy Young Award winner has skilled in an 18-year profession.
“It was just a whirlwind, man,” Verlander mentioned in his first full day again in uniform with the Astros, who acquired him from the New York Mets at Tuesday’s commerce deadline.
The Astros despatched high prospects Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford to the Mets in trade for Verlander, who went 61-19 with a 2.26 ERA whereas profitable two of his Cy Youngs and serving to the Astros win two World Series crowns – together with final yr – from 2017 to 2022.
“It’s exciting seeing all the guys again,” Verlander mentioned. “It feels a little bit bizarre as a result of it hasn’t been that lengthy, so it feels such as you don’t miss a beat and also you’re proper again within the locker room. But however, there’s this complete section that occurred. So right here I’m, nonetheless staying in my residence in New York.
“It’s a really odd feeling. Hard to explain.”
The Mets additionally despatched as a lot as $50 million to the Astros to assist repay Verlander’s contract – the two-year deal value a assured $86.7 million he signed in December, weeks after the Astros gained the World Series. Verlander’s $35 million possibility for 2025 vests if he throws 140 innings in 2024.
“I don’t think anybody saw this coming,” Verlander mentioned. “You commit to a team and you commit to trying to win a championship there and that’s your vision. You’re all-in and then a few months later you’re back with the team you were with the last season.”
Verlander is slated to make the primary begin of his second stint with the Astros on Saturday, which implies he’ll be making a 3rd straight begin in New York. He tossed six scoreless innings and earned the win for the Mets at Yankee Stadium towards the Yankees on July 25 earlier than recording his 250th profession victory Sunday in a 5-2 victory over the Nationals at Citi Field.
“Well, he’ll get out of New York soon,” Astros supervisor Dusty Baker mentioned with fun.
Following the win over the Yankees, Verlander indicated he was proud of the Mets and mentioned “I didn’t sign a one-year deal.” But the Mets, who opened the season with a report $363 million payroll however fell out of rivalry throughout a 7-19 June, traded nearer David Robertson to Miami on July 27 and dealt Verlander’s teammate and co-ace Max Scherzer to Texas shortly earlier than Verlander pitched on Sunday.
Following the sport, Verlander acknowledged he’d be extra open to waiving his no-trade clause. But he went to Kansas City and spent Monday’s time without work with the Mets.
“I’ve never really heard of anything exactly like this happening,” a bemused Verlander mentioned, “First time for everything, I suppose. Just along for the ride and now trying to compete and win a championship.”
Most of Verlander’s 16-minute press convention centered across the season-long struggles endured by the Mets, who fell to 50-58 after they have been outscored 20-8 by the Royals in a three-game sweep that ended Thursday.
“We kind of got off on the wrong foot – everything that could go wrong did early,” mentioned Verlander, who was sidelined the primary 5 weeks with a significant teres pressure however had a 1.95 ERA in his ultimate 9 begins with the Mets. “Even though we started playing some good baseball at times, we never really hit our stride where we were kind of banging on all cylinders. I can’t answer exactly why that is.”
Verlander arrives again in Houston with the Astros within the midst of a 12-6 surge because the All-Star Break and contemporary off a three-game sweep of the Cleveland Guardians that included a no-hitter by Framber Valdez.
The Astros entered Thursday evening’s recreation towards the Yankees one recreation behind the Rangers within the AL West. Texas has been atop the division each day since Apr. 9.
“Being able to stay in it to this point and be able to play meaningful baseball in the last couple months is what it’s all about,” Verlander mentioned.
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