The San Francisco Giants turned a lot of heads last offseason when news broke that they had reached an agreement with free agent pitcher Justin Verlander.

While flashing the name ‘Justin Verlander’ on the Oracle Park jumbotron might not hit as hard as it would have three or so seasons ago, adding a big-name starter was viewed as a step forward for a Giants team that has struggled to attract marquee talent.

Fast forward one year, and it appears as if Verlander’s stint with San Francisco will only be one year.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the 42-year-old future Hall of Fame pitcher could return to the Houston Astros this offseason, the team with which he won two World Series titles in 2017 and 2022.

Justin Verlander, K’ing the Side in the 4th.

8Ks thru 4. pic.twitter.com/xOFtDfv6N0

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 31, 2025

More on free agent pitcher Justin Verlander

Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander’s next destination could be a return to Houston, where he won a Cy Young award, two World Series titles, and has spring training near his home in Jupiter, Florida.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale | November 2025

Over 29 starts with the San Francisco Giants during the 2025 season–his most games started in a single season since 2019–Justin Verlander posted a record of 4-11.

Although Verlander struggled to begin the season (4.53 ERA through his first 18 starts), he turned a corner to end the season, posting a 3-3 record and 2.87 ERA over his final 11 starts of the regular season.

The right-hander struck out 137 batters over 152 innings while reducing his HR rate from 3.8% in 2024 to 2.4% in 2025.

Verlander, who was on a one-year, $10 million deal with the Giants, has said he “definitely” wants to pitch in 2026–his age-43 season and 21st big-league campaign.

Here’s what the current San Francisco Giants pitching rotation looks like without Justin Verlander:

(Fangraphs)

More San Francisco Giants & MLB free agency content from Sactown Sports

MLB free agency has arrived, and the San Francisco Giants will undoubtedly be in the hunt for a splashy signing this offseason.

While rumors regarding the Giants’ interest in star outfielder Kyle Tucker and free agent starting pitcher Max Scherzer have already made their rounds, another name has entered the fold as a potential target for San Francisco.

Free agent left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez is looking for a new contract this winter, and two of CBS Sports’ panel of writers have predicted that the two-time All-Star will land with the San Francisco Giants.

Valdez, 31, just put the finishing touches on a 13-11 season with the Astros that included a 3.66 ERA and 187 strikeouts over 192 innings pitched (career-high 31 starts).

MLB writers predict free agent ace to land with SF Giants

Upcoming San Francisco Giants & MLB Offseason Schedule

MLB Free Agency begins the day after the World Series concludes
December 7-11th – MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida
Mid-November – MLB Non-Tender Deadline
Early-January – MLB Arbitration Negotiations
Mid-February – Pitchers & Catchers report for Spring Training

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