Astros Analyst Has A Simple Justin Verlander Reminder
Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander opted out of his contract with the reigning World Series champs and will test free agency once again.
The talented right-hander will be a hot commodity in the market, and while he is likely to re-sign in Houston, it’s far from a given.
The Astros have every reason to try to retain him.
“Here’s why the Astros should keep Justin Verlander 1. He’s the best pitcher in the American League 2. If you lose him you lose him for nothing 3. If he’s not on your team he’s on someone else’s team and now you’re facing him 4. He’s the best pitcher in the American League,” Houston sports reporter Adam Spolane tweeted.
Here’s why the Astros should keep Justin Verlander
1. He’s the best pitcher in the American League
2. If you lose him you lose him for nothing
3. If he’s not on your team he’s on someone else’s team and now you’re facing him
4. He’s the best pitcher in the American League— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) November 10, 2022
Verlander is coming off one of his finest seasons yet.
An Incredible Season
In 175 innings, the righty had a brilliant 1.75 ERA and struck out 185 hitters, more than one per inning.
He even beat his World Series demons with a five-inning, one-run performance in Game 5 to make sure Houston went ahead in the World Series against the Phillies.
The most impressive part of his performance is that he did it as a 39-year-old pitcher against the best hitters in the world and coming off major surgery (Tommy John, in the fall of 2020).
In reality, the Astros, as Spolane says, have every motivation to make sure he stays an Astro come 2023.
If he opted out of his deal, it’s likely that he is looking for a multi-year pact.
With the way he is pitching, he could secure a two-year deal worth between $50 and $60 million, or at least a one-year deal with an option.
In any case, Houston needs to make sure Verlander is on their roster and not facing them at a crucial moment.