41-Year-Old Justin Verlander Reveals His Future Goals After Astros’ Playoff Loss
Starting pitcher Justin Verlander was left off the team’s roster, therefore he was unable to play a part in the Houston Astros’ AL wild-card series against his old team, the Detroit Tigers.
The Astros were eliminated from the playoffs on Wednesday after losing both of their games at Minute Maid Park despite holding home-field advantage. Making it to the ALCS in seven straight years came to an end with the loss.
Following Wednesday’s 5-2 setback, Verlander, 41, gave a speech in which he announced his intention to carry on his illustrious career as a pitcher until 2025.
The three-time AL Cy Young Award winner had a difficult 2024 season, finishing 5-6 over 90 1/3 innings (17 starts) with a career-worst 5.48 ERA. Pitching the fewest innings of his career outside of his two-start MLB debut in 2005 and the 2020 and 2021 seasons after he underwent Tommy John surgery following one outing in the pandemic-altered season, Verlander battled several shoulder injuries throughout the year.
Verlander’s status in 2025 will be largely dependent on his innings count, as C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic said. Rosecrans said that Verlander will hit free agency since his 90 1/3 innings fell short of the 140 frames required for a $35 million option that will vest in the following season.
Whatever the length of the 2011 AL MVP’s on-field career, Verlander has assured his place in Cooperstown’s National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Among the top beginning pitchers of the twenty-first century is thought to be the right-hander. Despite his unusual struggles this year, he had a fantastic season in 2022, winning the AL Cy Young Award at the age of 39 with a 13-8 record, 3.22 ERA, and 1.13 WHIP.
MLB hasn’t seen the last of Justin Verlander if he has his way.
