Astros righty Justin Verlander chatted yesterday about his pending free agency with Jon Heyman of MLB Network (all links to Twitter). While he’s keeping an open door to remaining in Houston, it doesn’t sound as if there’s any expectation of reaching a deal this spring. Verlander, who’s still at the top of his game at 36 years of age, reiterated his previously stated intention to pitch well into his forties. That expectation won’t lead him to chase the longest-possible guarantee in free agency, though. Having already secured career earnings in the hundreds of millions of dollars, Verlander says he’ll prioritize annual salary and other considerations while remaining “cognizant” of how his contract fits in the larger market picture. Further to that point, the veteran notes that big deals for this winter’s very best free agents have tended to mask the down-market struggles and number of teams that are not seeking to compete.
More from the western divisions …
- Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw threw to a catcher today from flat ground, J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group reports in a series of tweets. That still counts as notable progress for the vaunted hurler, who also long-tossed and does not seem to have reported any issues. Shoulder issues have slowed Kershaw thus far in camp, but he has seemed to be on the upswing of late. Filling in for him early on shouldn’t be a problem for a Dodgers club that has a deep staff to call upon, but the early health issues are of greater concern given the recent history. Kershaw, who’ll soon turn 31, has now missed starts in each of the past three seasons and is under contract for three seasons and $93MM.
- While the Rangers recently worked out a new deal with reliever Jose Leclerc, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram writes that it’s far from clear they’ll land any other extensions this spring. Joey Gallo and Nomar Mazara appear to be hypothetical candidates, but both say they’re not presently engaged with the club. That could still change; Gallo and Mazara each say they are willing to listen and are interested in remaining in Texas. Otherwise, it’s tough to identify any reasonable candidates on the roster.
Verlander is still impressive at 36….. he might get a decent contract
Expect Verlander to sign for a Dodger or Angel. Play in or near Kate’s town. 3/75 for my expect. With team option fourth year at 25 and 2 million buyout. Then expect career ender contract 2/30 with Detroit. Legacy deal for man who wants legend career. Go until 42.
Was just about to comment the same. Feels like it’s inevitable he ends up with the Dodgers.
Dodgers don’t sign anyone anymore
Yeah that AJ Pollock is a real nobody.
@HereComeThePhillies2018
And Joe Kelly
I think the buyout will be more like $3m.
Even though Verlander is still great he’s 36 if any team signs him to a 3/75 plus the option so 4/100 the GM should be fired it’s just irresponsible spending. I would be hesitant offering more than 2/55
36, of course scares us some but never a shoulder, elbow, or back issue for a career yet! Clean mechanics. Massive lower body strength. Throws good and hard with reduce for arm stress. His medical, MRI and x-rays will have for available for a team before a sign. So look good outside and inside? 3/60 low and 3/75 high, with the option and buyout. We like a lot?
Also, my wondering has questions too. Over next six years, who has better numbers, Verlander, Corbin, Price, Kershaw, or Greinke? My bet is for a Verlander. With that thought, how is GM bad for take 3-4 year Verlander contract risk?
@Enemp I’m impressed with the prediction.
Expect Verlander to cry about being disrespect in free agency because not all teams will clamor to sign a 36 year old pitcher.
Hope he does wind up with the Tigers.
Verlander to Boston confirmed.
Verlander to replace his former team Porcello
If Verlander hits FA… Astros will not be able to afford him.
Prove me wrong and re-sign Keichel (Non-existent market.)
Keuchel has been turning down Astros’ offers. Even though he has only a few bidders he thinks he can play hardball and get what he wants. He just might, but i doubt it.
Keuchel turned down 5/90 a couple of years ago.
Yep and he should’ve taken that deal. Now his best bet might be to take a 2 year deal with Houston and try again next year without the QO attached.
How many millions have Boras clients lost out on by not accepting offers/extensions? It has to be a substantial amount. Make no mistake about it, when Boras hits a homerun they are majestic and something to marvel at. But when he whiffs, it is cringe worthy.
Boras needs to realise for some of his clients, that big payday he’s been promising some of his clients just isn’t happening. Hindsight is 20/20, but boy doesn’t Keuchel wish he’d signed an extension
Boros has a darn good track record. Harper is guaranteed what….$330M until the year 2032? If i were a player, i would want Boros as my agent.
Please CC me on your next email convo with Boras regarding his promises to his clients. I want that inside scoop!
Seriously though, we don’t know what he “promises” his clients. For all we know he lays out the risks and the potential rewards and the clients decide to go for it. Peeps love their narrative, I guess I can see how it would be more exciting for some to have Boras be some money loving villain who is wrecking havoc on the game and sucking the soul from players. As opposed to an agent who markets a certain negotiating style that benefits some and not others.
Has ANY player ever come out with something negative to say about Boras after he got a deal for them? Sure some players have left Boras, as players often leave agents and go to another. But has any ever sat down and said what he promised them and how he screwed them over? Surely some would if he leaves all of these victims in his wake
Your premise is incorrect. Keuchel is not Astro because 1) Verlander is there already taking a sizable chunk of payroll 2) Keuchel is not the pitcher he used to be 3) He has over valued himself
Come next offseason if Verlander is still highly productive and he doesn’t over value himself in term of years, as he seems to be mindset, then it would be easy to see the Astros resign him.
I never know what to think of spring training pitching injuries. I can’t tell if it’s super precautionary or if it’s something that could be an issue for the season. If Kershaw is throwing now, I guess he’ll be ready in April?
Well, there’s a three year trend with no surgeries to consider – I doubt really doubt hes good too go for season games in April
I can see the Rangers pursuing extensions with both Gallo and Mazara.. Both players have shown warts, and there could be some discounting because of that. And obviously players are petrified about becoming FAs.
Gallo is who he is, but Mazara could very well be more than he’s shown. He could be a shrewd “buy” at this point.
I agree that Maraza could be a perfect buy low candidate. He has the talent to turn into something special. Might not ever materialize, but wouldn’t mind the Rangers trying to lock him up.
IMO, Mazara is going to be the type who will hit 280, hit 25HR and drive in 90 runs. That’s good, steady production. He’s not going to be a superstar but there’s nothing wrong with guys who produce well year after year.
How can you be sure player “is what he is” after 2 seasons?
Wondering what happened to the 100s of buffoons that posted all the supposed TJ stuff about Kershaw a month ago. Love how so many can spew garbage behind a device then go run to mommy & daddy like they never said anything.
Report from Camelback Ranch: Clayton Kershaw’s entire forearm snapped off at the elbow and landed in front of the mound during a simulated game today
Dave Roberts: No need for an MRI at this point
I’m the buffoon who posted, “Gesundheit”.
I could see JV sign 3 or 4 year deal at 28-30 with the yankees…..He will never pitch for tigers again….
Lol no
seems a bit high, he’s entering his late 30s and with the state of aging players on the free agent market, he might only get 2 years with an option. I’m not sure the yankees are a great fit though, depending on how they perform this year they might not even need another starter
Im a ranger fan, so im not knocking them bc i dislike them. But, if im rangers im in no hurry to extend either one. Yes, they are both young and could bust out at anytime. But neither one is even arb elgible and theyve actually been pretty consistant so far in majors. Gallos gonna give u 40 hr, 200k, and .205 avg. Mazara is good for .250 avg and 20 hr but has never had a 100 ops+ or 1 war season.with 4 yrs of control, id like to see more production and some consistancy of that production. Not to mention we have thompson, taveras, and martinez coming up through the minors and cheap owners that have rolled payroll back 3 consecutive seasons and has gone from 160 million to 120 million. I just think a wait and see approach would be more feasible tactic given all those issurs.
Verlander’s a different animal. When he really wants to dominate he does. Great pitcher!
Amen!
Remember all those people saying Verlander was done? I think he’ll sign one year contracts here on out. One year maximum annual value contracts with teams in contention. Then one year deal to retire as a tiger.
Mazara has accumulated 1.3 WAR over 3 seasons. Gallo hits .200 every year. I hope we trade both of them at some point instead of extending.
The Braves need to call up Houston to see what the Astros want for Verlander. The Braves need a TOR arm so we can have a proven arm for the postseason. Imagine when Atlanta goes to battle Scherzer during the regular season and we have Verlander to battle back with.
WHY would Houston trade Justin Verlander?
I see Verlander as another Roger Clemens., Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan. Guys who have not had arm problems, are in great shape and have wonderful mechanics. All three of those pitched well into their 40’s along with Greg Maddux. There were concerns with all of those guys as they got to their mid 30’s —- with good reason. Gotta roll the dice sometimes.