10:58pm: As covered in detail here, the sides managed to pull off a last-minute blockbuster.
10:55pm: The Astros were apparently unable to swing a last-minute deal to land Tigers ace Justin Verlander, though the reasons why remain unclear. Detroit News journalist Chris McCosky said a deal was mostly in place with the Astros, then said that Verlander had nixed the proposed arrangement, and finally concluded it wasn’t clear if Houston had backed out (links to Twitter). Meanwhile, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets that it’s not yet clear what happened, but that the “Tigers are not blaming” the veteran right-handed hurler.
For Houston, this evidently represents the latest thwarted effort to add an impact arm. The club was reportedly close to landing Zach Britton and perhaps another pitcher at the non-revocable waiver deadline, but both deals fell through. Now, it seems, the team has missed on Verlander, who previously cleared revocable waivers but still maintained his full no-trade protection.
Talks between the teams were long been held up by an evident failure to agree on a return, but evidently gathered steam late today. As of midnight EST tonight, clubs can no longer add players from outside the organization and then utilize such players on their postseason roster.
The ’Stros are rich in prospects, but had remained hesitant to part with their best young talent while also taking on a significant piece of the $56MM still guaranteed to Verlander over the next two seasons. Meanwhile, the Tigers were said to be holding out for real talent in parting with one of their franchise’s best all-time players.
Surprised a deal wasn’t reached. Not upset Verlander is staying … just surprised
I don’t know what verlanders problem is. I’d rather play for Houston than play for a team that you just complained about.
It’s not even confirmed Verlander vetoed it
What we know right now, who to says its verlanders fault?
Maybe they couldnt agree on how much money the astros would take on or how much money detroit would absorb.
lol i cant wait for Reid Ryan to throw a fit and call Verlander classless.
I have a feeling the Astros backed out at the last minute.
Kate nixed the deal .. um, I mean Verlander did ..
Verlander is dumb. He earned his NTC but he costs Detroit some money on a team that is going backwards
well oops
deal went through
Nightingale reported it
Verlander, maybe Houston isn’t your first choice but how much more time do you have in your pitching career? Go to playoffs for the Astros in 2017 and then maybe force your hand into a trade for 2018-2019. Win-win.
Not surprised he didn’t want to go there, lots of pitchers and players seem to feel the same way
Not to rain on anyone’s parade, but CLE has owned Verlander for several seasons now. Just sayin’