No trade in Astros history has been more fruitful than the Justin Verlander deal.
Intended to put what looked like a contender over the top, Verlander did exactly that in what was perhaps the Astros’ most pivotal game of 2017.
Game 6 of the American League Championship Series was an elimination game for the Astros, after having dropped three straight to the Yankees in the Bronx — and getting outscored 19 to 5 in the process.
Though the Astros still had home-field advantage, they were on the ropes. Fortunately for the club, their recently-acquired ace was slated to take the mound.