Houston Astros trade for Justin Verlander amid Mets’ deadline selloff

• Astros have deal in place to acquire ace pitcher from Mets
• Verlander, 40, has 6-5 record with 3.15 ERA this season
• Three-time Cy Young winner played for Houston last year

The Houston Astros are bringing back Justin Verlander, acquiring the three-time Cy Young Award winner from the New York Mets in a trade deadline blockbuster Tuesday, according to a person with direct knowledge of the agreement.

The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the teams hadn't announced the agreement. Multiple reports said the Astros were sending top outfield prospect Drew Gilbert to the Mets. ESPN reported that outfielder Ryan Clifford was part of the return package in addition to Gilbert.