Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
*PREDICTION*
Despite being at the advanced age of 43, veteran right-hander Justin Verlander has no plans to slow down his career anytime soon. Verlander is coming off a nice year with the San Francisco Giants, throwing 152 innings of work, posting an ERA of 3.85, while striking out 137 batters.
After the season ended, Verlander expressed a desire to keep going in the big leagues, and we could see him play another few seasons. The right-hander showed that he could still be an above-average starter in the major leagues, and every team could use a backend arm for the rotation.
The veteran seems to have a decent market this winter, and it could see him land a nice deal to finish out his career. But where he may land remains unknown at this point, and Verlander may need to wait to see how the rest of the pitching market shakes out.
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Justin Verlander Returns to Detroit Tigers
One team that is still in need of another arm for the starting rotation is the Detroit Tigers, and Verlander could be a solid addition. This would be a homecoming of sorts for both sides since Verlander spent multiple seasons with the Tigers years ago.
Detroit wants to add more talent to the rotation this offseason, but it feels more like they will only bring in backend starter options. Verlander could be perfect for this role, giving this team more depth for the long season ahead.
Since the Tigers already have an ace in Tarik Skubal and some other quality arms such as Jack Flaherty, Verlander wouldn’t be asked to take on too large a role. But his presence in the locker room could be massive, helping this Tigers team look to get over the hump in the American League.
Verlander has won two World Series while with the Houston Astros, so he understands what it takes to go all the way in the sport. His leadership could be huge for this Tugers group, and the other pitchers would likely benefit from having him around.
Detroit came within one game of reaching the American League Championship Series, so the front office has been looking for ways to add to this roster. Bringing Verlander back into the fold would not only energize the clubhouse but also the fanbase, who loved him when he was part of the team.
Overall, this could be one of the better landing spots for the veteran right-hander to consider, and he would get a chance to compete for a World Series title. The two sides should look to see what it would take to bring him back to town, and if it’s in the price range for each, they should reunite for the next few seasons.