Justin Verlander didn’t make the Houston Astros playoff roster, but they could’ve used the legendary pitcher. On Wednesday the Astros were swept 2-0 by the Detroit Tigers in the wild-card round.
If the Astros are in a position to compete in the postseason next year, it looks like there’s a chance Verlander will be around to contribute.
Per The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, Verlander addressed his feelings on retiring after the Astros were eliminated.
“I want to continue to pitch, to compete. I’m not ready to step away yet.”
Justin Verlander: “I want to continue to pitch, to compete. I’m not ready to step away yet.”
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 2, 2024
If Verlander wants to continue playing, the veteran will want to leave this season behind him. The legend missed a lot of the season with a neck injury and had less-than-stellar numbers when he could play.
Verlander went 5-6 with a 5.48 ERA in 17 starts, but a lot of his struggles may be attributable to his injury. Before the neck injury, Verlander posted a 3.95 ERA in 10 starts and after coming back from it he recorded an 8.10 ERA in seven starts.
According to The Athletic, Verlander failed to hit the inning threshold that would trigger a vesting $35-million option for 2025, meaning he’ll enter the 2025 season as a free agent.
Whether or not it’s with the Astros, hopefully, Verlander can walk away from the sport at the top of his game and on his terms.
