Per Mark Feinsand, the Houston Astros are favorites to land New York Mets ace Justin Verlander. What would it cost to land him?

A Justin Verlander return to Houston may very well be in the cards. Just a few weeks ago, this did not seem possible, as the New York Mets want to contend in 2024 and JV valued the New York market. Specifically, Verlander's family likes the New York area, and don't want to up and leave again. It's an understandable issue with any star player who has control of his/her market.

The Houston Astros got the best of Verlander. After trading for the former Tigers ace, Houston helped revive his career. Verlander won the pitching triple crown in Detroit, but he won a World Series in Houston. Any trade for JV would have the same goal this time around.

But what would it cost?

MLB Rumors: Astros favored to land Justin Verlander from Mets

Per Mark Feinsand, Houston is now favored to acquire Verlander from the Mets.

So, what could a trade look like? Houston doesn't have much to offer in terms of prospects. However, they do have some young talent, which New York will covet. The Mets plan on contending in 2024.

No, New York won't get a top-100 prospect in return, but McCormick is a solid addition and just 28 years old. At his best, he has All-Star potential, especially in New York.

Arrighetti is a Triple-A starter and Houston's No. 8 overall prospect. Whitley, meanwhile, used to be one of the top prospects in the Astros system prior to his injury, and subsequent struggles. Since then, he hasn't been the same pitcher.

However, in dealing Verlander, the Mets have earned the right to take chances on Houston's MiLB system. Whitley fits the bill there.