Justin Verlander Attracts Multiple Teams as Free Agency Heats Up

Justin Verlander, the three-time Cy Young Award winner, is drawing significant interest from multiple MLB teams as he enters free agency ahead of his 20th Major League season. According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, several clubs are considering the veteran right-hander, who is seeking a one-year deal to rebound from an injury-plagued 2024 season.

Verlander, 41, pitched just 90.1 innings last year, delayed by a shoulder issue in spring training and a neck injury that sidelined him for over two months. Despite a rocky return in August, where he posted an 8.10 ERA in 33.1 innings, Verlander remains optimistic about his health and performance. “I think I came back from the neck injury a little fast,” Verlander told reporters in September. “I want to be an asset for this team. And to do that, I needed to be able to pitch and find out where I’m at.”

Morosi reports that Verlander is now in “great shape” and ready to contribute in 2025. The future Hall of Famer has a storied career, including a dominant 2022 season where he posted a 1.75 ERA and led the Houston Astros to a World Series title. However, injuries have become more frequent as he ages, including Tommy John surgery in 2020-21 and a teres major strain in 2023.

Despite these setbacks, Verlander’s track record and leadership make him an attractive option for contending teams. Morosi did not specify which teams are interested, but the Astros have already expressed interest in re-signing him. General Manager Dana Brown confirmed that he has had conversations with Verlander’s agent.

Verlander’s market is heating up as the offseason progresses, with teams evaluating his medicals and weighing their pitching needs. While his age and recent injuries are concerns, his ability to perform at a high level when healthy makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster its rotation.