Houston Astros Rumors: Team targeting Justin Verlander before deadline

The Houston Astros are showing that they’re going to be plenty active before the waiver deadline of midnight tonight, indicating that their eyes are dead-set on starting pitcher Justin Verlander.

The Houston Astros have certainly been in contact with the Detroit Tigers in regard to the services of starting pitcher Justin Verlander.  These two teams have been at odds with each other on how best to make a deal but there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.  There were many that still think that he’ll be dealt during the Winter Meetings but it’s quite possible he may be turned loose now.

From the Tigers’ perspective, there’s no reason to retain Verlander.  It’s clear that they have intentions to rebuild and aren’t looking to contend for awhile.  They also dealt outfielder Justin Upton to the Los Angeles Angels as well.

Jon Morosi of MLB.com was the first to report this development:

This is great news but we’ve down this road before.  All pomp but no circumstance.  Let’s just hope this talk equates to something this time.  We know how much Jeff Luhnow has an affinity for his prospects but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and go after the guy you want.

This is certainly the perfect situation for this.  Verlander still can prove he can go long into games, something that our starting guys have trouble doing.  He can still toss the strikeouts and has been rock-solid since the All-Star break.  When all of these variables come into play, there should be no reason why not acquire him right?  Not necessarily.

Verlander is owed $28 million per season through 2019 with an option in 2020.  The biggest thing to work out is how much of the salary the Astros are going to cover.  If we’re giving up top talent on the farm, it better mean that they’re going to eat his salary.  I’d ask for at least 50 percent to make it fair.  The Tigers have one of the worst farm systems in the league and we shouldn’t be the financier to their rebuilding project without getting a healthy return besides Verlander himself.

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I have no doubt that it can happen but will it happen?  We’ll have to see.

Verlander, 34, since the All-Star break has a 5-2 record, 2.41 ERA, 78 strikeouts, 16 walks, 18 earned runs and 0.91 WHIP through 67.1 innings pitched.

Go Astros.