Houston Astros veteran Justin Verlander is looking to revamp 2024 and it could be on a new team as a free agent. Free agency for Verlander could point to a contending team considering his age (41). But free agency for him is more about improving his 2024 season which was impacted by injuries. A 5-6 record with a 5.48 ERA and 74 strikeouts across 90 innings pitched. Verlander started the season on the injury list recovering from a shoulder injury and then in the latter half of the season he missed almost two months due to a neck injury. But Verlander has been a force to be reckoned with the numerous awards he has won in his career in MLB. We will await to see what Verlander has left to showcase in 2025.
Astros Future Hall Of Famer Seeking Revival Through Free Agency
Verlander’s Achievements
Verlander has won three AL Cy Young Awards that were earned in 2011, 2019, and 2022. Marking his success as an ace pitcher in MLB. Verlander made his debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2005 and it’s where a lot of memorable moments (awards) were achieved in his career. Verlander is a player with World Series experience winning in 2017 and 2022 with the Astros. He also has three no-hitters (2007, 2011, and 2019). He made history with the Tigers where he became the first pitcher to throw two no-hitters for them since 1952.
In 2011 Verlander won the AL MVP Award surrounding his success in earning Pitching Triple Crown, throwing a no-hitter on May 7th against the Toronto Blue Jays, and winning Cy Young. In 2006 Verlander started his MLB career on a high note earning AL Rookie of the Year. Lastly, in 2017 he won the ALCS MVP, and in 2022 the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Landing Spots For Verlander
New York Yankees
Verlander’s 2024 season was a hard pill to swallow. But Verlander can make a comeback. This is highly represented through the award he earned in 2022. Verlander would fit the Yankee veteran presence while also adding a starting pitcher which they need. The Yankees have already expressed interest in starters Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried. Fried has also come up as a trade rumor candidate for the Blue Jays. Verlander will turn 42 in February.
While Verlander is not expected to replicate his past success he has postseason experience. Verlander is still eager to pitch and demonstrate all he has. Taking into consideration his 2022 success of an 18-4 record with an ERA of 1.75. If he can remain healthy he can still provide value. His postseason pedigree is what would entice the Yankees as they hope to return to a World Series in 2025. Verlander has a 17-12 record with a 3.58 ERA and 244 strikeouts in 38 appearances in the postseason.
Detroit Tigers
Verlander rejoining the Tigers makes sense as it is where he spent a large portion of his career and where he won most of his All-Star awards (six). The Tigers are looking to make a push in the 2025 season and bring back a familiar veteran leader to have with the Tigers youth movement on the roster.
As well as having him in the rotation with Tarik Skubal. His career with the Tigers can be highly recognized for his elite pitching and as a pitcher leader. He ranked second in strikeouts (2,372), seventh in wins (183), and eighth in innings pitched (2,511). A Verlander reunion with the Tigers would also get fans excited as the veteran isn’t ready to retire. What’s left to be seen with Verlander will be interesting to see. Rich Hill who is 44 is also a free agent and if he can still pitch at his age then so can Verlander.
Main Photo Credits: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
