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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Justin Verlander’s arm was sorely missed in the Houston Astros’ latest World Series run.
And now, the team appears they’ll try to run it back with the two-time Cy Young Award winner returning to the rotation.
Sources tell ESPN’s Jeff Passan that Verlander and the Astros have agreed to a one-year contract worth $25 million. The deal, which was first brought to the public by the right-handed starting pitcher’s brother, Ben, includes a player option for the second year.
“IT’S OFFICIAL. @JustinVerlander is signing with Houston Astros!!” Ben Verlander, who is an MLB broadcast analyst, tweeted on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, the club announced Verlander and Carlos Correa, both free agents, declined qualifying offers to remain in Houston. The qualifying offers, typically one year in length, are procedural steps extended to MLB teams’ free agents in the event they sign elsewhere.
Draft compensation would come back to the original team if a free agent departs.
Verlander had missed much of the COVID-shortened 2020 season and the entirety of 2021 due to recovery from Tommy John surgery.
The Astros have not yet officially announced Verlander’s return to the club.