Breaking News: Justin Verlander To Re-Sign With Astros

 

This news comes as a shock to the many teams who'd been chasing Justin Verlander: His brother Ben of Fox Sports has reported that Justin will be re-signing with the Houston Astros, foregoing free agency. 

🚨IT’S OFFICIAL🚨@JustinVerlander is signing with Houston Astros!!

— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) November 17, 2021

MLB reporter Mark Berman is reporting that it's a 1-year, $25M contract, with a player option for a second year at the same salary, making for a guaranteed $50M.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner, Verlander had been weighing whether to open up his services to bidders around the league, and in fact reports earlier today had him focused on three teams in the AL East, who all have favorable training facilities in Florida, when he wanted to be located. 

But in the end, Verlander has decided to choose loyalty, and stay in Houston, where he won a Cy Young in 2019, and a World Series in 2017. 

Verlander enters the 2022 season at age 39, but has said he wants to pitch into his mid-40s. He's missed the last two full seasons, recovering from Tommy John surgery. With a fresh new lease on life for that legendary right arm, he's proven, after a showcase for plenty of teams earlier this month, that he's still ready to compete at the top level. 

Photo Credit: USA TODAY NETWORK