The Houston Astros are heading into the 2025-2026 offseason with a few key goals in mind. Adding a left-handed hitter and, most importantly, bolstering their injury-riddled starting rotation.
After a season of injuries to the rotation, Houston can't go into 2026 with the same rotation. Additions need to be made, and Dana Brown likely will add a starter by the beginning of the year.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today revealed one potential intriguing option: San Francisco Giants free agent Justin Verlander. The future Hall of Famer pitched with Houston recently and could return after a one-year stint in San Francisco.
Astros linked to Justin Verlander in free agency
"Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander's next destination could be a return to Houston," Nightengale writes, "Where he won a Cy Young award, two World Series titles, and has spring training near his home in Jupiter, Florida."
Verlander is coming off a shaky 2025 campaign, but he still wound up putting together a solid performance at 42 years old. His final line was a 3.85 ERA in 29 starts with a 4-11 record, 152 innings pitched, 137 strikeouts, and a 1.362 WHIP.
As Verlander's career winds down, pitching in familiar environments is increasingly likely. While his stint with the Giants wasn't the best, he still showed enough that the Astros should consider bringing him in for another season.
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It would be his 21st in the Major Leagues, and it would be his age-43 season. There's some risk with signing a player at such an advantage age, but Verlander's history with the team a reasonable target this winter for Houston.
The MVP, three-time Cy Young, nine-time All-Star, and career 82.2 bWAR pitcher is a very intriguing free agent target for the Astros. Framber Valdez is likely to walk, while a lot of the rotation is either banged up or struggling.
Giving Verlander another chance in Houston makes a lot of sense. While this report from Nightengale isn't describing that either side has interest in a pairing, it's still worth noting as a potential free agent reunion for Verlander and the Astros.
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