MLB rumors: 3 teams that should take a chance on Justin Verlander after showcase
By Scott Rogust
Justin Verlander reportedly impressed teams at his showcase this week. These three teams should give him a shot.
The MLB offseason is officially under way, which means we will hear plenty of reports and rumors regarding which teams are interested in which free agents. There are no doubt going to be plenty of teams having their eyes on the starting pitching market, and sure enough, that was the case in regards to Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander.
On Monday, Verlander held a workout for any interested teams, as he is coming off Tommy John surgery that forced him to miss the entirety of the 2021 campaign. According to MLB Network insider Joel Sherman, Verlander threw about 25 pitches that clocked in between 94-97 mph. That, and there were 15-20 teams in attendance.
Heard 15-20 teams were in to see Justin Verlander’s workout today in Florida. Threw about 25 pitches. Clocked in at 94-97 mph. He is among the most fascinating potential free agents. Can still take the $18.4M qualifying offer from the #Astros, but strong chance he tests market.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 8, 2021
With there obviously being a market for Verlander, these three teams should take a chance on him with a contract offer.
Justin Verlander: 3 teams that should take a chance on SP in free agency
New York Yankees
Let’s talk about one of the teams that were confirmed to be in attendance for Verlander’s workout (per The Athletic’s Britt Ghiroli) — the New York Yankees.
Yankees, Tigers and Rangers among the clubs who saw Verlander throw today. Heard it was a pretty good turnout.
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) November 8, 2021
The Yankees were unceremoniously eliminated by the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Game, with ace Gerrit Cole being pulled from the contest after surrendering three earned runs and two home runs in two innings. Certainly did not help that the bats (besides Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge) disappeared.
While shortstop is a glaring need for the Yankees, starting pitching should be addressed as well. The team already has Corey Kluber hitting free agency. The Yankees signed Kluber to a one-year contract last offseason after he held a showcase. Maybe, just maybe, the Yankees follow the same path and do the same with Verlander. They should at least consider it, especially if they plan on contending for a World Series.
A Verlander-Cole reunion in the Bronx could be money.