MLB Rumors: Is Justin Verlander Still A Free Agent?

Word came out two weeks about Justin Verlander signing a 2-year, $50M contract to remain with the Houston Astros. However, a peek at the Astros' roster today reveals that Verlander is not listed on the 40-man. No official team announcement was ever made.

This remains a mystery. No one has responded why Verlander deal wasn’t made official. @mlbtraderumors points out Verlander isn’t listed on the Astros roster on https://t.co/cPHPZHdy07 The great pitcher remains a free agent and nothing can be finalized now until the lockout ends. https://t.co/yyuGsGvw3i
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 3, 2021

Astros general manager James Click, in fact, refused to answer any questions about Verlander a full 13 days after the supposed deal came to light.

As MLB insider Jon Heyman points out, Verlander remains a free agent for the foreseeable future, while baseball is in lockout mode. No signings, trades or any other transactions can occur until a new collective bargaining agreement is in place, and the league re-opens for business.

Verlander's own brother, Ben, a member of the media, first broke the news on Nov. 17 that his brother Justin would be signing with the Astros. Others then followed with the report that it would be a one-year, $25M deal, with a player option for a 2nd year at $25M.

But the team, and Verlander himself, have been mysteriously quiet about it ever since. Does this mean the New York Yankees, and other teams that were rebuffed earlier, will have another shot at Verlander when the lockout ends?

And since it had been reported that the Yankees, in particular, were unable to land him due to a failure to offer a 2nd guaranteed year, can they now use that knowledge to come back with a new offer on the other side?

Photo Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports