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August 4th, 2023 Week 18: MLB News and Rankings

WEEK 18: MLB News and Rankings

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Battle of the Stone Star State

The New York Mets, arguably the most underwhelming team in Major League Baseball this season, have swapped veteran ace Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros, the teams declared Tuesday. The Mets will receive two minor-league players in return: outfielders Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford. While at least a handful of teams were believed to be involved, Verlander will be rejoining the same organization he departed last winter as a free agent.

Verlander, 40, is in the first season of a two-year agreement worth more than $86 million. His contract includes a conditional player option for 2025 worth another $35 million. It's too early to determine if Verlander will acquire that option since it depends in part on his innings count next season. The Mets are sending $35 million to cover part of Verlander's salary for 2023 and 2024, then half of the additional $35 million if the option vests for 2025, according to the New York Post. Verlander's deal also included a full no-trade clause. The Astros, and specifically owner Jim Crane's familiarity with Verlander may have proved beneficial during negotiations because of it.

A Verlander trade continues the Mets' sell-off of recent days. On Saturday, they dispatched their other veteran ace, Max Scherzer, along with a considerable amount of money to the Texas Rangers in return for infield prospect Luisangel Acuña.

 

Week 18 - Power Rankings

  1. Atlanta Braves (69-37) 
  2. Baltimore Orioles (66-42)
  3. TB Rays (66-45) 
  4. LA Dodgers (61-45) 
  5. Texas Rangers (62-46)
  6. Houston Astros (62-47) 
  7. SF Giants (60-49)
  8. Milwaukee Brewers (58-51)
  9. Toronto Blue Jays (60-49)
  10. Arizona D-Backs (57-52) 

On the Move

Noteworthy trade deadline day transactions shaped the landscape of Major League Baseball as teams made significant moves to bolster their rosters.

  • Phillies added Tigers All-Star Michael Lorenzen
  • Orioles acquired right-hander Jack Flaherty from the Cardinals
  • Marlins traded for White Sox slugger Jake Burger and Guardians first baseman Josh Bell
  • D-Backs obtained Tommy Pham from the Mets
  • Blue Jays traded for Cardinals' Paul DeJong after Bo Bichette's injury
  • Padres got Rich Hill and Ji-Man Choi from Pirates
  • Brewers traded for reliever Andrew Chafin from the Diamondbacks
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