The Houston Astros have gotten off to a horrendous start in the 2024 MLB campaign. They are 12-22 entering Monday and are tied for last place in the American League West. The Astros had lost five in a row and eight of nine before winning three straight to end April, so things have not gone as expected.

As a result, trade rumors are already circulating for some teams and players, and Justin Verlander's name has popped up a bit. However, the Verlander trade buzz can essentially be put to bed, as Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

‘It’s time to stop the speculation that the Houston Astros would trade Cy Young winner Justin Verlander at the trade deadline if they are out of the race. Verlander has a complete no-trade clause, and loves playing in Houston. He already utilized his no-trade clause to steer the Mets into trading him last summer to Houston instead of elsewhere. The Mets were in deep trade discussions last summer involving Verlander with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays, but Verlander informed the Mets that he wouldn’t approve a trade unless it was Houston.'

Last season, the New York Mets traded Verlander to Houston, which was his top landing spot and, as Nightengale mentioned, the only team he would approve a trade to. So, Verlander opting to choose another team would be a surprise.

Justin Verlander has done well for the struggling Astros 

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Astros have struggled big time to begin this season, especially with their pitching. They rank 26th in ERA (4.75) and 25th in batting average against (.256). The offense is top-10 in a few categories, but the pitching has been an area that needs improvement.

On the other hand, Verlander has pitched well. He has made just three starts after missing the first couple of weeks with an injury. However, he has a 1-0 record with a 2.08 ERA and has gone six or more innings in two of his starts. The other start he threw 4.1 shutout innings on three hits with four walks. After coming to the Astros last season, he went 7-3 with a 3.31 ERA and a 1-1 record with a 2.95 ERA in the postseason.

May has just begun, so the Astros have plenty of time to turn things around and get back into the playoff hunt. The rest of the roster is talented, so there is a chance they figure things out and win some games.

So, any potential Justin Verlander trade rumor should be shut down, at least for now. The Astros begin a three-game series on the road against the New York Yankees and then three against the Detroit Tigers before returning home to face the Oakland Athletics.