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Justin Verlander has been having a tough 2024 season with the Houston Astros, in large part due to injuries. Verlander has pitched 79.2 innings so far, well short of the 140 innings required to activate his $35 million contract option for 2025. As a result, he might enter free agency instead of returning to the Astros.
The nine-time All-Star will be 42 years old next year and might not fit many teams' needs. However, one team that could sign him is his old team, the Detroit Tigers.
MLB insider Mark Feinsand believes Tigers GM Scott Harris may pursue Justin Verlander in the upcoming offseason.
“I could see GM Scott Harris try to sign Justin Verlander to a homecoming, finish-your-career-back-in-Detroit kind of deal,” Feinsand wrote on MLB.com.
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The Detroit Tigers drafted Verlander in 2004, and he made his debut with the team in 2005. He stayed with the Tigers until 2017 when he was traded to the Houston Astros.
During his time with the Tigers, Verlander achieved several milestones, including winning AL Rookie of the Year and the pitching Triple Crown. He also won the first of his three AL Cy Young Awards in Detroit.
The Tigers (80-73), with a .523 winning percentage, are ranked fourth in the AL Central. They are trailing the Minnesota Twins for the last Wild Card spot by a half-game.
Astros manager Joe Espada expresses optimism about Justin Verlander’s comeback
Justin Verlander is 4-6 with a 5.20 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP, and 65 strikeouts in 15 games played this season. Despite Verlander's tough overall stats, Houston Astros manager Joe Espada is optimistic that he can bounce back, saying (via Fox Sports):
"I still think that JV is going to turn it around and start pitching to his capabilities. But with Valdez, Brown, Kikuchi and Blanco, I think we can stretch it out where we can make it work," Espada said.
Verlander is coming off a decent start against the LA Angels. He gave up just two runs in five innings pitched to earn his first win since late May. His next start is scheduled against the Angels on Friday.
The Houston Astros (82-70) with a .539 winning percentage are leading the AL West.
