Justin Verlander Re-Ups With Astros

Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander agreed to a one-year, $25 million deal with a player option for a second season, ESPN reports.

While the 38-year-old has not pitched since Opening Day 2020 due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, ESPN reports his rehab has gone well and he should be ready to pitch come spring training.

CBS Sports reports that because Verlander rejected the qualifying offer this offseason, he will not be eligible to receive it next offseason or any other point in his career moving forward.

Verlander won the 2019 AL Cy Young and pitched to a 2.58 ERA in a league-leading 223 innings with elite strikeout (12.1 K/9) and walk (1.7 BB/9) numbers in 2-19 in his last season before suffering the elbow injury.

He held a showcase for about 20 teams earlier this month and Astros general manager James Click said the right-hander looked healthy and sharp.

Houston acquired Verlander ahead of the 2017 trade deadline and went on to help the team win the World Series later that season. Verlander is also an eight-time All-Star who is 226-129 in his career with a 3.33 ERA over 17 seasons, per ESPN.

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