The Houston Astros are fully aware of their needs entering the offseason. They need to add to their pitching staff and will need a shortstop since Carlos Correa is determined to leave the team behind. It is a clearly defined shopping list, and one that the Astros should have plenty of resources for.
Part of that shopping list may already be on the roster. Justin Verlander is slated to reach free agency, but owner Jim Crane sounds like he is looking to bring the former ace back for at least one more year.
Jim Crane's full quote: "We mentioned earlier that we would consider a qualifying offer — I think Sunday is the deadline — so stay tuned on that one. I know he's in good shape. I've talked to him a couple times. I know he's a competitor. I wouldn't count him out." https://t.co/rUaeiyIMUC
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) November 5, 2021
Qualifying Offer makes sense for Justin Verlander and Houston Astros
Aside from one outing in 2020, it has been over two years since Verlander last pitched a meaningful game for the Astros. Not only did the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign keep him from the mound, but Verlander missed all of last season due to Tommy John surgery.
Verlander’s last full season was impressive. He was the AL Cy Young winner, leading the league in wins, innings pitched, WHiP, and K/BB rate. He posted a 21-6 record with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.803 WHiP in his 223 innings, striking out 300 batters for the first time in his career while issuing just 42 walks.
While Verlander seemed ageless at that point, that may no longer be the case. He is going to turn 39 before the start of the 2022 season, and with his comeback from Tommy John surgery, is no longer the sure thing that he had been in the past. An $18.4 million contract is a considerable gamble.
It is also a gamble that the Astros have to take. Verlander could be that missing piece, the unquestioned ace of the staff that Houston was missing the World Series. Even if he is just 80% of what he was in 2019, the Qualifying Offer would be a bargain if he was to accept.
The Houston Astros know that they need to address their pitching staff. Expect Justin Verlander to get the Qualifying Offer as part of those plans.