MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Potential Destinations for Free Agent Justin Verlander

He'll be going into his age-42 season and is coming off the worst year of his career, but Justin Verlander is not deterred, and he intends to pitch in 2025, and who knows, maybe beyond.

Detroit Tigers

This, of course, would not be an unfamiliar place for Verlander, as he spent the first 13 years of his career there, and won his first Cy Young award in Motown. And with AJ Hinch at the helm, there's even more familiarity, as Verlander spent a couple of his All-Star seasons, and won his second Cy Young, under Hinch in Houston.

After making it back to the playoffs in 2024, adding a World Series winner and a mentor like Verlander could go a long way for the Tigers.

Houston Astros

Yes, another reunion with the Stros is possible for JV, though he might think twice after the team traded superstar Kyle Tucker and is almost certain to lose Alex Bregman in free agency. But he's only two years removed from a Cy Young in Houston, and the team may want to retain him to bridge to the new generation.

Toronto Blue Jays

Three years ago, the Jays strongly pursued Verlander as a free agent before he re-signed with Houston. In 2022, and still at the height of his powers, this made sense. But now, coming off a season in which he posted a 5.48 ERA, adding JV wouldn't have nearly the same impact. But leave it to the Jays' front office to throw gobs of money at a 42-year-old who seems to have lost his touch, just for the name value.