Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
As veteran right-hander Justin Verlander enters free agency this winter, he could have a few more suitors than last offseason. Verlander proved that he could still be an above-average starter in the major leagues, and every team could use more pitching help.
The former ace spent last season with the San Francisco Giants, throwing 152 innings of work, posting an ERA of 3.85, while striking out 137 batters. Verlander has expressed a desire to keep playing in the big leagues until he is 45 years old, and he may be looking for a two-year deal this offseason.
The right-hander is still reliable on the mound, even if he isn’t the same All-Star pitcher that he once was. Due to his age, some teams may be wary of adding him, but Verlander can fit in anywhere.
The veteran likely prefers to join a contending team, but he also understands that fit is the most important part of this process. Some have speculated that he could return to the Houston Astros, but Houston has had a few chances to bring him back over the last year, and they have chosen not to do so.
Overall, his free agency is one of the more interesting, especially because of the leadership that he could bring to any team. But where the veteran will land is anyone’s guess, and he may take his time trying to decide the next steps in his career.
This is just a prediction, NOT a report!
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Justin Verlander Will Sign With Baltimore Orioles
As Verlander looks around the league for another stint next year, the Baltimore Orioles could be a solid landing spot for him. Baltimore needs another pitcher for the staff, and the veteran right-hander could fill a need.
The Orioles need to add a few starters this offseason, helping to bolster the rotation. While Verlander won’t be a frontline pitcher for this team, he could still slot in as a middle-tier or backend starter.
Baltimore could use his veteran leadership, and he could become a mentor for some of the younger pitchers on the staff. Verlander was praised for helping guys while in San Francisco, and he could do the same thing with the Orioles.
The Orioles are only two years removed from winning the American League East division, and the franchise wants to get back to the postseason. Verlander knows what it takes to win, and he could provide this club with a needed voice in the locker room.
All in all, adding the former ace to the mix could be a low-risk, possibly high-reward type of move for this Orioles team going forward. Verland could give them some extra depth to the starting rotation, and he would get a chance to play for a team that wants to be more competitive next season.