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

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) 

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