Justin Verlander Rumors: Free Agent Sweepstakes May Be Down to Dodgers and Astros

Justin Verlander just won his third career Cy Young Award at age 39, and now he’s one of the top free agents on the market. The Dodgers, of course, are looking for a starting pitcher or two, and Verlander fits most of what they’re looking for.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, writing in the New York Post about potential landing spots for some of the key free agents this offseason, L.A.’s chances of landing the future Hall of Famer are looking pretty good.

Justin Verlander: “If he doesn’t stay with the Astros, he’ll probably go to the Dodgers,” says the exec of an interested team. Houston sees it that way, too, as he has a home in LA. And word as of midweek is the Astros and Verlander weren’t close. The Yankees and Mets are interested (he is close with Gerrit Cole). Favorites: 1. Dodgers; 2. Mets/Yankees.

If it comes down to the Dodgers or Astros and the Astros aren’t close, that sounds quite a bit like it will come down to the Dodgers. Because of Verlander’s age — he’ll be 40 in February — he’s unlikely to command a lengthy deal, and his stuff is roughly as good as it’s ever been. He had Tommy John surgery a couple years ago, but otherwise he’s been remarkably healthy and durable throughout his career.

After Chase Utley, Max Scherzer, and Albert Pujols over the last several years, it might be time to add another “late-career legend in Dodger blue” to our collection.

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