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Well, Justin Verlander finally was traded after months of reports saying the Tigers were making the 34-year-old Cy Young winner. But, it wasn’t the Cubs that landed the veteran righty.
Justin Verlander traded to #Astros. Incredible night in @MLB.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) September 1, 2017
Sources: Tigers are sending significant money to Houston as part of the Verlander deal. Believed to be at least $10 million.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 1, 2017
The Astros are reporting getting some serious salary cap relief in the trade, something the Cubs apparently were not able to get in their talks, but Houston is likely putting together a more appealing package. That being said, Verlander apparently has been holding out hope the Cubs would up their offer to acquire is services. He was so adamant about coming to Chicago that he actually waited until the last possible moment to accept Houston’s deal.
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#Cubs had been Verlander's first choice. He wanted to let that play out as long as possible. He agreed to #Astros deal at final minute. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) September 1, 2017
While the Cubs couldn’t make a deal come to life this trade deadline, Verlander heading to the Astros pokes a massive hole in the team’s offseason plan as Verlander was likely a target for the club after season’s end. The veteran Verlander has gotten his ERA back down to a respectable 3.82 while throwing harder than he has in five seasons. Adding Verlander for the stretch run and for the next two years could’ve helped round out the Cubs rotation for the next few years.
Sadly, Verlander will head to Houston and the Cubs will likely look to either re-sign ensuing free agent Jake Arrieta or look to add another arm via free agency or trade this offseason.
