With the draft and trade deadline in our rearview mirror, the focus for most MLB teams has shifted towards making a run at the playoffs. While teams battle it out on the field, there is still plenty of news off the field as well.
Verlander Controls 2023 Destiny
When Justin Verlander signed his two-year, $50 million deal with the Astros last offseason, the contract included the ability for the second year to turn into a player option if he threw 130 innings. In his last start, Verlander hit that mark.
Now, the 39-year-old will be able to control his own destiny for next season, either staying another year with the Astros for the $25 million or, more likely, pursuing an even more lucrative deal.
This season, Verlander has been terrific despite coming back from Tommy John surgery. Verlander is currently the betting favorite to win the AL Cy Young (-155) and is currently 15-3 with a 1.73 ERA, 0.854 WHIP, and has 127 strikeouts in 130 innings.
At 70-40, the Astros hold the second-best record in the American League and sit 11 games ahead of the Mariners in the AL West. They have the third-best odds of winning the World Series this season at +420.
Lamet Finds New Home…Again
During a wild trade deadline, Dinelson Lamet found himself switching uniforms as he was traded as part of a larger package to the Milwaukee Brewers for closer Josh Hader. Before the dust could even settle, he now finds himself switching uniforms again.
The Milwaukee Brewers made a curious decision to designated Lamet for assignment less than two days after acquiring. Not wanting to pass on the opportunity, the Colorado Rockies made the decision to claim the 24-year-old righty.
Lamet has battled through biceps and forearm issues over the last couple of years, but when right, he can be elite. In 202, he went 3-1 in 12 starts with a 2.09 ERA, 0.855 WHIP, and had 93 strikeouts in 69 innings.
Unfortunately, he has struggled since and was just 0-1 with a 9.49 ERA in 13 appearances for the Padres this season. Still, for the Rockies, this is a gamble worth taking as they will only be on the hook for a prorated portion of his salary this year. With the third-worst ERA in the majors (4.97), the gamble can’t hurt.
Series Of Releases
This week, there were also a handful of teams that released players as they were either not performing or looking to go in a different direction. Below are a few of the biggest names.
On Saturday, the Cleveland Guardians designated outfielder Franmil Reyes for assignment. While he is still going through waivers, Reyes is the most interesting of this group as his power translated to a 30-home run season just last year. This season, he was hitting just .213/.254/.350 with nine home runs and 28 runs batted in for the Guardians.
The Chicago Cubs parted ways with veteran infielder Andrelton Simmons. He has been out since the middle of July with a shoulder injury. Simmons just did not live up to the expectations after signing a one-year deal worth $4 million with the Cubs this season. In 75 at bats, the 32-year-old hit just .173/.244/.187 with seven runs batted in, eight runs scored, and four stolen bases.
Elsewhere, the Minnesota Twins released reliever Tyler Duffey. First drafted by the team in 2012, Duffey has been a part of the big league club since 2015. Unfortunately, he struggled a bit this season, going 2-4 with a 4.91 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and struck out 39 in 44 innings.
Lastly, the Pittsburgh Pirates released first baseman Yoshi Tsutsugo. He hit well for Pittsburgh last season, hitting .268 with eight home runs in just 127 at bats. Unfortunately, the 30-year-old couldn’t replicate that production this year as he hit just .171/.249/.229 with two home runs and 19 runs batted in over 170 at bats.
