Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Justin Verlander remains on the open market despite Spring Training for the 2026 season coming up in just a few weeks. The veteran pitcher is coming off a decent season with the San Francisco Giants and is now looking to keep his career going.
After the season ended, Verlander made it clear that he wanted to keep playing, even with him turning 43 years old when the new year kicks off. The future Hall-of-Fame pitcher proved himself with the Giants and is now likely looking for the final contract of his career.
With San Francisco, Verlander posted an ERA of 3.85 in 29 starts, but he did struggle to open the year. However, in the second half of the year, Verlander put up a sub-3.00 ERA, throwing six quality starts in 11 outings.
Verlander clearly can still get it done on the mound, even if he isn’t the dominant Cy Young candidate that he was a few years ago. Any team could use a pitcher like Verlander, who can eat innings during the regular season and provide solid enough results on the mound.
At this point in his career, Verlander seems to value the correct “fit” over simply joining a contender. But if he could go to a team that he felt comfortable with, while having a chance to win, it would be the best of both worlds situation for the veteran.
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If Verlander wants to head to a team that has a chance to win the World Series, the New York Yankees could make a lot of sense. New York is still looking to add to its roster this offseason, specifically in the starting rotation.
The Yankees will be getting ace Gerrit Cole back from injury this season, but as he comes off Tommy John surgery from a year ago. While Cole has tremendous talent on the mound, New York would be wise not to simply bank on him returning to form.
Verlander could be an insurance option for this team heading into the season, giving New York a reliable backend starter. The right-hander could slide in next to Max Fried, Carlos Rondon, Cam Schlittler, and Luis Gil, giving this team more depth to use.
If anything, Verlander could offer the Yankees more of a veteran voice in the locker room, which is something that this organization has been missing over the years. Verlander could be the leader to help rally the players during the long regular season, keeping guys engaged throughout.
During his career, Verlander has won two World Series titles with the Houston Astros, so he understands what it takes to win the whole thing. It has been a long time since the Yankees were able to win the championship, and entering 2026, there is a lot of pressure on this organization to find results.
Verlander won’t solve all the problems of the Yankees, but he could, at the very least, solve some of the starting rotation questions. The right-hander proved himself a year ago, and playing in the Big Apple could be appealing to him before he calls it a career.
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