It appears as though soon, New York Mets right-hander Justin Verlander will be traded.
This is of course assuming that he’ll waive his no-trade clause.
However, there is one team that appears to be emerging as favorites to acquire him, should he be dealt.
That team is the defending World Series champion Houston Astros.
Verlander won two World Series titles with the Astros, including one last October against the Philadelphia Phillies.
He originally joined the Astros in 2017 after being traded from the Detroit Tigers.
On Twitter, MLB writer Bob Nightengale revealed the news about the defending champions currently being the favorites to land the three-time Cy Young.
Meanwhile, the #Astros are the heavy favorites to land Justin Verlander IF he is traded.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 1, 2023
Verlander won the American League Cy Young Award last season.
He won it previously in 2019 with the Astros and in 2011 with the Tigers.
The 40-year-old signed with the Mets on a two-year, $86 million contract over the winter.
That deal includes a vesting option for 2025.
If the Astros do ultimately re-acquire Verlander, they would have him for at least one more season, as he is under team control thanks to his contract.
The right-hander won Game 5 of the World Series against the Phillies last October, setting up the clinching Game 6 for Houston.
The nine-time All-Star is 6-5 with a 3.15 ERA in his 16 starts this season.
He has missed some time due to injuries, but is healthy again and ready to contribute.
Several teams are in on Verlander, but it appears as of now that the Astros are favored to land him once again.
We’ll see what happens in the next few hours.
NEXT: MLB Insider Highlights Notable Cardinals Who May Be On The Move
