The Houston Astros are reported to be in talks with Justin Verlander’s agent, Mark Pieperexploring the possibility of bringing back the 42-year-old pitcher for the 2025 season. Verlander, three-time Cy Young Award winnerstruggled during an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, but his illustrious career keeps him in the conversation for a return to Houston.
The Astros Begin Offseason Negotiations
The general manager of the Astros Dana Brown confirmed the discussions on the ESPN podcast Baseball Tonight:
“We have had conversations with his agent just to understand the situation. I don’t know if there’s been much progress, but we’re having conversations.”
Verlander’s 2024 season was far from his best. He posted a 5-6 record with a ERA of 5.48 over 90.1 innings—the lowest total of his regular season career outside of the shortened 2020 season. Plagued by shoulder and neck injuriesVerlander admitted that he rushed his return to September, which further impacted his performance.
Despite these difficulties, Verlander remains one of the most accomplished pitchers in MLB history, leading all active players in innings pitched (3,415.2), wins (262) and games started (526).
Verlander’s Value: Risk vs. Reward
At 42 years old, Verlander isn’t expected to get another huge contract like his two-year, $86.7 million contract with the Mets in 2023. However, his career longevity and resume could still attract teams willing to bet on a bounce-back year.
2023 Statcast metrics showed encouraging signs, with the chase rate, base ball rate and average fastball velocity (94.3 mph) which all remained above average. Additionally, his reputation as a fierce competitor and leader in the locker room could tip the scales for interested teams.
The Houston Perspective
The Astros, who won the AL West in 2024 without significant contributions from Verlander, continue to value his history with the franchise. Verlander played a vital role in them 2017 and 2022 World Series titles and he won due premi Cy Young (2019, 2022) during his time in Houston.
GM Dana Brown expressed his admiration:
“JV has had an incredible career here in Houston. He did so many good things here.”
What to Expect from Verlander?
Verlander’s uncertainties in 2024 highlight the risks of signing an aging pitcher, but his potential as an experienced arm could intrigue teams other than Houston. His future contract—likely a short-term deal with incentives—will depend on whether teams focus on his struggles in 2024 or his Hall of Fame career.
For now, the Astros are keeping the door open for a potential reunion as Verlander weighs his options ahead of his 20th MLB season.
