Justin Verlander Trade: How Much Does This Move the Needle for the Astros?

Justin Verlander is heading back to Houston.

The Houston Astros acquired Verlander in a deal with the New York Mets, bringing the reigning AL Cy Young back into the fold for their latest playoff push. The Mets will receive prospects Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford in the trade, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Gilbert is MLB.com's 68th-ranked prospect while Clifford was the Astros' 4th-overall prospect.

Verlander has been back at top form as of late after a tough stretch to begin the season. Over his last seven starts, Verlander has allowed one or fewer runs in five of those. His strikeout numbers are down overall (21.0% rate), but his 3.15 ERA suggests he's still got plenty left in the tank and will be playing on a better team in the Astros moving forward.

The trade for New York marks the end of their short two-aces era, as they also dealt Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers on Saturday.

Houston Astros Odds

• AL West: -130
• American League: +340
• World Series: +700

The Verlander deal for the Astros has led to a huge shift in the odds for them.

The AL West was the most noticeable change. Prior to the deal, they were at +100 (as much as +125 yesterday) to win the division, and they have now climbed to being the favorites over the Rangers at -130. It isn't too surprising, as the Astros with Verlander at the helm of their rotation have been awfully successful in the past.

Their American League and World Series odds saw a jump in their favor, as well. Their AL odds went from +440 yesterday to +340 today -- second-best in the AL behind the Tampa Bay Rays. The World Series odds pushed them ahead of the Rangers, going from +850 yesterday to +700 today, the league's fourth-best.

Verlander is going to step into a dugout he's comfortable in and likely shove because that's what he does. With two World Series in the bag as a combo, it makes too much sense for Verlander and the Astros to come back together to make another run. The MLB trade deadline has its signature move of the day.

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