Houston Astros: Justin Verlander to throw on Monday
Monday is going to be a very important day for Justin Verlander. Depending on how things go, he may accept the Qualifying Offer from the Houston Astros.
That is because, on Monday, Verlander will take the next step towards returning to the mound. He is set to have a showcase, throwing in front of several interested teams.
Justin Verlander is throwing tmrw morning with several teams expected to be in attendance at Cressey's Sports Performance. Verlander, who was extended a qualifying offer by Houston, has until Nov. 17 to decide whether to accept it. Could opt to seek a longer deal.
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) November 7, 2021
Monday a big day for Houston Astros and Justin Verlander
Normally, there would not be a question that Verlander would decline the QO and enter free agency. He has been one of the best pitchers of his time, a dominant force on the mound. His last full season ended with the AL Cy Young award as he showed no signs of slowing down.
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But that was two years ago. Between the pandemic and Tommy John surgery, Verlander has made just one appearance since the end of the 2019 season. He will also turn 39 years old before the start of the 2022 season, making the time he missed all the more important.
That makes his session on Monday even more critical. Verlander will need to prove that he is completely recovered and can be close to the pitcher he once was. While no one would expect that his stuff would be as sharp, or that the velocity would immediately be there, he still needs to show progress if he is going to hope for a multi-year deal in free agency.
On the plus side, Verlander does not have much pressure on him in this showcase. He has until November 17 to determine whether or not to accept the QO, enough time to determine whether or not his showcase went well.
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Justin Verlander is set to throw for interested teams on Monday. That showcase could determine whether or not he accepts the Qualifying Offer from the Houston Astros.