Justin Verlander's Free Agency Asking Price Revealed

After opting out of his contract with the Houston Astros, Justin Verlander is one of the top arms on the free agent market. Not surprisingly, he expects to be paid as such.

Justin Verlander Free Agency Rumors

According to Astros owner Jim Crane, Verlander is seeking a substantial raise after helping Houston win the 2022 World Series. Verlander originally had one year and $25 million remaining on his contract, but is now eyeing a new deal in the neighborhood of three years and $130 million, which is what former teammate Max Scherzer got from the New York Mets prior to last season.

The comparison as a fair one, as both are elite right-handed pitchers in their late 30s. Verlander is going to be 40 by Opening Day and will presumably retire soon, so it makes sense that he is pursuing a shorter-term deal with a higher average annual value.

The Astros are optimistic that they can retain their ace, as he was one of the best pitchers in baseball last year with 18 wins and an MLB-leading 1.75 ERA. If Verlander departs, that will leave a gaping hole at the top of their rotation.

Texas doesn't have a state income tax, so Houston is hopeful that will help in its negotiations. The Astros can also entice Verlander with a championship-caliber roster that is bringing back many of the same players (as well as manager Dusty Baker) and has the second-best World Series odds for 2023 (+600) on FanDuel Sportsbook's MLB odds.

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