Houston Astros fans are digging up their No. 35 Justin Verlander jerseys. Multiple media outlets report that the Verlander, the Cy Young Award-winning, Hall of Fame-bound pitcher who left the Astros for the New York Mets in December, is return via a just-announced trade.
Verlander comes to Houston via trade with the Mets first reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale on Twitter on Tuesday, August 1. Nightengale then quickly updated the terms of the deal: Verlander for young Astros prospect Drew Gilbert — considered the team's most prized prospect — and Ryan Clifford.
Ben Verlander, Justin's brother, confirmed the reports with a simple tweet.
The red-hot trade news comes as the Astros sit half a game behind the Texas Rangers (ugh) in the American League West. Currently, the Astros would be the sixth AL seed if the playoffs started on August 1.
Hence the deal for the 40-year-old Verlander, who seems every bit ready to bring the same stuff he did to help the Astros secure two World Series championships in 2017 and 2022. While it wasn't a shocker that Verlander chose the bright lights of NYC — and a two-year, $86 million deal with the Mets — it's a relief to see the man known as JV back in an orange and blue uniform.
It's also a relief that supermodel Kate Upton, Verlander's wife, will most likely return. A Houston power couple favorite, Upton and Verlander spent years in Houston sharing their love for our vibrant scene — and especially, the beloved burger from Nancy's Hustle.
Justin Verlander and Kate Upton were society scene stealers in Houston.
Photo by Daniel Ortiz
Does this cement another World Series run? Verlander immediately upgrades the Astros as they look to October. Here's hoping the talented group at Nancy's Hustle has the Verlanders' table ready.
This is a breaking news story.
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