Free agent starting pitcher Justin Verlander has received interest from multiple teams throughout the MLB, but The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported on Friday night that the Baltimore Orioles are the most intriguing destination for the three-time Cy Young Award winner.
"He (Justin Verlander) knows Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias from their time with the Houston Astros in 2017 and '18. And the Orioles are still trying to add another starting pitcher, preferably at or near the top of the rotation, in free agency or trade," wrote the MLB insider.
Verlander, 43, has spent his career with five different organizations, including the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and two separate stints with the Houston Astros.
Is Verlander still an intriguing prospect at 43 years old?
The answer is yes. Despite being one of the oldest players in all of baseball, Justin Verlander displays a talent that has been shown in three different decades.
A neck injury prevented the nine-time All-Star from playing to his truest potential in 2024, finishing with a 5-6 record, 5.48 ERA, and 1.38 WHIP in 17 starts with the Astros.
He then signed with the San Francisco Giants on a one-year, $15 million deal and showed that, despite his age, he can still perform with the best. Through 29 starts, Verlander was unable to put up wins, with a 4-11 record, but still managed a 3.85 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 152.0 innings.
In his career, Verlander is a future Hall of Famer, winning three Cy Young Awards (2011, 2019, 2022), an AL MVP (2011), AL Rookie of the Year (2006), being elected to nine All-Star games (2007, 2009-2013, 2018, 2019, 2022), and winning two World Series championships (2017, 2022).
The Virginia native could end up closer to his hometown with the Orioles, but Baltimore will be eyeing younger starters that could be added long-term.
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