The 2025 season was a disappointing one for the Houston Astros. While they finished the season with an 87-75 record, they did not qualify for the playoffs. With this, the Astros missed the postseason for the first time since 2016.
Although the Astros did not get into the playoffs in 2025, the sky is not falling in Houston. They still have talent and will be looking to bounce back in a big way in 2026. Due to this, it would not be surprising in the slightest if they look to continue to add to their roster before the 2026 campaign is here.
One of the Astros’ most significant needs is another impactful starting pitcher. This is especially so with All-Star pitcher Framber Valdez hitting the free-agent market this winter. While the Astros acquired Mike Burrows from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Astros should not be done yet.
When looking at the free agent pitchers left, there is no question that former Astros star Justin Verlander stands out in a big way. Now, based on a recent report, the Astros are once again being connected to the soon-to-be 43-year-old pitcher.
Astros Named Potential Landing Spot for Star Pitcher Justin Verlander
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Zachary D. Rymer took a look at nine intriguing free agents with “huge buy-low upside.” Verlander was among the free agents discussed, as Rymer noted that the three-time Cy Young Award winner’s excellent resume and strong finish to the 2025 season could make him a good pickup for a team in need of pitching help.
“And yet, the old guy was legitimately good in his last 13 starts of the year. He posted a 2.60 ERA, with 70 strikeouts against 24 walks over 72.2 innings. This was when he started putting more trust in a sweeping slider that ended up being the best pitch in his arsenal, to the tune of a plus-eight Run Value. Granted, vintage Verlander isn’t walking through that door for anyone. But if the sweeper continues to bamboozle hitters in 2026, he’s at least a solid No. 3 in a contender’s rotation,” Rymer wrote.
With the Astros looking for pitching help, it is understandable that they have been named a top potential landing spot for Verlander. The nine-time All-Star would have the potential to be a very strong addition for the Astros’ roster. There is no question that Verlander had a ton of success during his past stints with the Astros, so it could make a lot of sense for Houston to bring him back.
Astros Will Have Competition for Verlander’s Services
Once more free agent pitchers come off the board, it would not be surprising in the slightest if Verlander’s market starts to heat up in a big way. Because of this, Rymer named the Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants as two more potential landing spots for Verlander.
Verlander returning to Detroit would certainly be a big deal, as he spent his first 13 seasons with the Tigers. That could make them a very appealing destination for Verlander. As for the Giants, Verlander just spent this past season with them, so he is certainly familiar with them as well.
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