(SportsRadio 610) - Astros owner Jim Crane said he will do his best to bring back Justin Verlander, likely the American League Cy Young Award winner for the third time in his career.
Verlander has a $25 million player option for 2023, but should command much more on the open market.
When asked about Verlander's possible future with the Astros, Crane at a press conference announcing manager Dusty Baker's return said they were working on keeping their ace. Crane also mentioned having the resources to add depth to the team in free agency, specifically mentioning getting "another bat or two," and resigning Verlander and high-leverage reliever Rafael Montero.
Verlander had the lowest ERA, WHIP and opponent batting average across baseball in 2022, all while returning from Tommy John surgery at age 39. Every team with money to spend should be interested in Verlander on a short-term deal, but the Astros certainly have the inside track coming off their second World Series.