The Houston Astros passed on the chance to re-acquire Justin Verlander from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline.

When José Buttó learned during Wednesday’s game that he was being traded, the reliever seemed to choke back tears as he said his goodbyes in the Mets’ bullpen and dugout.

While the Astros are locked up in an important series with the Boston Red Sox, the front office is seemingly looking for ways to improve. At the trade deadline, Houston was one of the most active teams on the market,