In August the Astros turned what we previously knew about MLB trade deadlines on it’s head. After a surprisingly quiet non-waiver deadline, the aggrieved front office made a splash a month later by acquiring one of the best currently-active pitchers from a career perspective. Justin Verlander brought some needed stability to the Astros staff after a 12-17 August, and could be quickly considered well worth the price after posting a 0.86 ERA in three Houston starts, including a gem in the AL West clinch game last Sunday.
But what did the Astros really give up for Verlander?