Astros Eye Sensational Verlander Return to Bolster Injury-Hit Rotation This Winter
The Houston Astros are facing a pivotal offseason, particularly regarding their starting rotation. With a mix of injuries and underperformance, the team knows it must take decisive action to strengthen its pitching staff for the upcoming season.
Injury Woes Plague the Rotation
Despite having Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown anchoring the rotation, the Astros finished the year with a 3.97 ERA, placing them tied for 13th in Major League Baseball. This disappointing statistic can largely be attributed to a series of injuries that decimated their pitching depth. Notably, Hayden Wesneski and Ronel Blanco both suffered season-ending elbow injuries that required Tommy John surgery. Additionally, Lance McCullers Jr. fluctuated in and out of the lineup due to ongoing injury concerns.
While Cristian Javier returned from injury and other pitchers stepped up, the contributions were insufficient to keep the Astros competitive. With Valdez set to enter free agency and not expected to be retained, it’s clear that the Astros must seek further depth in their rotation.
New Faces and Options
In response to their challenges, general manager Dana Brown has already taken steps to address the pitching needs. Early in the offseason, he signed Nate Pearson with plans to transition him from a relief role into starting duties. However, the Astros will need more than just this addition to feel secure heading into the next season.
Verlander’s Potential Return
In a surprising twist, the possibility of reuniting with Justin Verlander has emerged as a viable option for the Astros. The future Hall of Famer spent the previous season with the San Francisco Giants and is now a free agent again. Verlander has expressed a desire to pitch through 2026, keeping his competitive fire alive.
While some analysts, like Eric Cole from Climbing Tal’s Hill, express caution about this potential reunion, suggesting it may not be the wisest move, they also recognize that it shouldn’t be entirely dismissed. Verlander’s best days may be behind him, and any deal would likely need to be short and cost-effective. “Justin Verlander’s best days are behind him, and acquiring him for anything beyond a short, cheap deal is questionable at best,” Cole noted.
A Strong Comeback Season
It’s important to note that Verlander’s last season with the Giants was markedly better than his previous year’s performance, which was hampered by injuries. In 2024, he managed only 17 starts, finishing with a 5.48 ERA and an ERA+ of 74—well below the league average of 100. This underwhelming performance led Houston to allow the veteran to explore opportunities elsewhere.
However, this winter presents a different narrative. Verlander rebounded with a solid season in 2025, recording a 3.85 ERA over 29 starts and achieving an ERA+ of 102, placing him back above league average. He also logged 152 innings, a figure that would have greatly benefitted the Astros in previous seasons.
As the offseason unfolds, the Astros will be weighing their options carefully. A reunion with Verlander could provide the veteran presence and experience needed to stabilize their rotation and navigate the challenges ahead. Whether or not they choose to go down this path remains to be seen, but the allure of bringing back a franchise icon is undoubtedly compelling.
