Justin Verlander

ATC projections by Ariel Cohen. Steamer projections by Steamer Projections Blog. THE BAT projections by Derek Carty. Zeile Consensus projections by FantasyPros. Draft Buddy projections by Chris Spencer.

Fantasy Baseball News Last 90 Days

Mets Meet With Justin Verlander

The New York Mets met with free agent starting pitcher and American League Cy Young winner Justin Verlander on a Zoom call last week, per the Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. Per Rosenthal's report, the Mets would consider Verlander if they cannot re-sign departed free agent Jacob deGrom. The 39-year-old compiled an 18-4 record with a 1.75 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and 27.8% strikeout rate through 28 starts and 175 innings pitched in 2022. Verlander will have a competitive market, but his age combined with his request for a multi-year deal will impact his suitor list.

Nov 22 · Source via Justin Verlander

Mets Considering Justin Verlander

TODAY: Verlander and the Mets spoke together in a Zoom meeting last week, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. NOVEMBER 19: The Mets are hopeful of re-signing Jacob deGrom, but if they fail in that pursuit, reigning AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander has emerged as a “prominent possibility” for the team, according to Mike…

Nov 20 · MLB Trade Rumors Mets Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander Wins Third AL Cy Young

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander won his third career American League Cy Young award in 2022 at 39 years old after having Tommy John surgery. He won the award unanimously after missing all of last year. Verlander becomes the first-ever pitcher to win the award after throwing zero innings the previous season. He's also one of 11 pitchers in MLB history to have won the Cy Young three times. On top of that, Verlander was the fifth-oldest hurler to win the award. He had an AL-best 18 wins and a major-league leading 1.75 ERA, WHIP (0.83), opponents' OPS (.497) and opponent's batting average (.186). The 39-year-old is stiff-arming Father Time and will cash in on the free-agent market this winter after just winning a World Series title.

Nov 16 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Mets Considering Whether To Pursue Justin Verlander

SNY's Andy Martino reported Tuesday that the New York Mets are "considering whether to pursue" veteran free-agent starting pitcher Justin Verlander. The Mets had several members of their starting rotation enter the free-agent market this offseason, so they will need to fill some gaps if they hope to make it to the playoffs once again. While he will be 40 years old entering the 2023 season, Verlander had a stellar 2022 campaign, going 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and a 27.8% strikeout rate over 28 starts and 175 innings pitched. It would likely take a high-value, short-term deal to sign Verlander, wherever he ends up landing.

Nov 16 · Source via Mets Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander Opts Out Of His Contract

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander has opted out of his contract and has become a free agent. Verlander could have stayed in Houston for $25 million in 2023, but he should be able to get much more on a multi-year deal on the open market. The 39-year-old right-hander missed all of 2021 after having Tommy John surgery, but he returned in 2022 and was fantastic, going 18-4 with a league-best 1.75 ERA (2.49 FIP), a league-best 0.83 WHIP, 185 strikeouts and only 29 walks in 175 innings over 28 starts. Verlander is the overwhelming favorite to win the American League Cy Young for the third time in his career and the second time in the last four seasons. He'll be 40 years old when the 2023 season begins, but Verlander hasn't shown signs of slowing down and should be drafted as a fantasy ace, regardless of where he lands.

Nov 10 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Yankees Could Pursue Justin Verlander If He's Available

The New York Yankees were toying with the idea of adding Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander to their rotation last winter, offering him $25 million. They could choose to make another run at him this winter if he opts out of his current deal with the Astros and becomes a free agent. However, the Yankees were discouraged about their chances of ever signing him when he chose to go back to Houston at the same dollar amount that the Yankees offered. Verlander made the right call, having another fantastic season while winning another World Series title with the Astros. The 39-year-old ageless right-hander got the win in Game 5 over the Philadelphia Phillies. He wasn't all that great in the postseason, but he led the league in wins (18), ERA (1.75) and WHIP (0.83) while adding 185 strikeouts over 28 starts.

Nov 8 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

The Astros Win The World Series

For the second time in franchise history, the Houston Astros have won the World Series.  Houston clinched the championship with a 4-1 victory over the Phillies tonight in Game 6, fueled by a massive home run from Yordan Alvarez in the sixth inning.  With the Phillies leading 1-0 after the top of the sixth, starter…

Nov 5 · MLB Trade Rumors Astros Phillies Twins Padres Nationals Tigers Jose Altuve Jose Alvarado Yordan Alvarez Alex Bregman Carlos Correa Luis Garcia Luis Garcia Luis Garcia Luis Garcia Yuli Gurriel Cristian Javier Lance McCullers Jr. Jeremy Pena Jose Urquidy Framber Valdez Justin Verlander Zack Wheeler closers

Justin Verlander Reportedly Starting Game 5

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander will reportedly start the fifth game of the World Series, per a tweet from MLB.com's Brian McTaggart on Wednesday. The veteran right-hander has pitched to a 7.20 ERA, a 3.31 FIP, 19 strikeouts, and four walks in 15 innings this postseason. He previously logged a 1.75 ERA and a 2.49 FIP with 185 strikeouts compared to 29 walks allowed in 175 regular-season innings. Most recently, Verlander gave up six hits, five earned runs, and two walks while striking out six batters in five innings against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first game of the World Series.

Nov 2 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander Disappoints In Game One

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander's World Series woes continued Friday night in game one against the Philadelphia Phillies when his team lost 6-5 in 10 innings. Over five innings, he allowed five runs on six hits while walking a pair and striking out five. Verlander's 0-6 in World Series games with a 6.07 ERA across eight starts. The probable Cy Young winner had one of his best seasons at 39 years old, winning 18 games with a 1.75 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and 27.8% strikeout rate. If the series goes long enough, Verlander will get another start and hopefully improve his 7.20 ERA this postseason.

Oct 29 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander To Start Game 1 Of World Series

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander will start Game 1 of the World Series on Friday at home against the Philadelphia Phillies. Verlander has been Houston's ace all year, so this was fully expected. The 39-year-old allowed six earned runs on 10 hits in just four innings in his first start this postseason against the Seattle Mariners in Game 1 of the American League Division Series, but he bounced back in a big way to give up just one run while striking out 11 in six innings in the Game 1 win over the New York Yankees in the AL Championship Series. Verlander made one start against the Phillies just recently on Oct. 4 and threw five hitless and scoreless innings while walking one and striking out 10 at the end of the regular season.

Oct 27 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander Ineffective In Tuesday's ALDS Game 1 Start

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander was clearly rusty in Tuesday's American League Division Series Game 1 8-7 win over the Mariners. Verlander pitched 4 innings, allowing six runs on 10 hits (including a solo home run) and a walk with three strikeouts. The veteran did pass Clayton Kershaw for the most strikeouts in postseason history with his 208th in the fourth inning, but that record may exchange hands throughout the playoffs. More importantly, the Astros will hope that Verlander can return to his stellar regular season numbers. He will likely pitch at the end of this series if it gets extended or at the beginning of the American League Championship Series if the Astros advance.

Oct 12 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander Activated And Starting Friday

The Houston Astros activated starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) from the 15-day injured list on Friday and optioned Seth Martinez to the minors in a corresponding move. Verlander, who landed on the injured list on Aug. 30 with a calf injury, will make the start in a great matchup against the Oakland Athletics on Friday. There's a chance he could face a pitch count in his first start back, though, since he didn't go on a minor league rehab assignment while away from the team. Still, it's hard to leave the 39-year-old ace out of starting lineups, especially in the excellent matchup. The nine-time All-Star currently leads all of baseball in ERA (1.84), wins (16) and WHIP (0.85) while striking out 154 and walking just 26 in 152 innings over 24 starts.

Sep 16 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander On Track To Start Friday

The tentative plan is for Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander (calf) to return to the starting rotation on Friday against the Oakland Athletics, but manager Dusty Baker said it's not finalized yet. Verlander has already thrown multiple bullpen sessions without any setbacks and appears rearing to rejoin the rotation for the stretch run in September. The 39-year-old two-time Cy Young winner continues to be one of the best starting pitchers in fantasy despite his age, as he's gone 16-3 with a league-leading 1.84 ERA (2.71 FIP), a league-leading 0.85 WHIP, 154 strikeouts and only 26 walks in 152 innings over 24 starts. Verlander will be a no-brainer must-start against Oakland if he does indeed make his return on Friday.

Sep 14 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander Playing Catch Monday

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) is with the team on their three-game series against the Detroit Tigers and is playing catch in right field at Comerica Park. Verlander is hoping to return from the 15-day injured list to make a start during this weekend's series against the Oakland Athletics. The 39-year-old right-hander threw his second bullpen session on Sunday, and he won't need a minor league rehab assignment before returning to the rotation. Verlander might not have a very long leash in his first start back, but it's hard to argue leaving him out of your fantasy lineups. The two-time Cy Young winner is 16-3 with a league-leading 1.84 ERA (2.71 FIP), a league-leading 0.85 WHIP, 154 strikeouts and only 26 walks in 152 innings over 24 starts this year.

Sep 12 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander Throws Bullpen Friday

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) threw a 30-pitch bullpen Friday, and pitching coach Josh Miller reported that "everything went well" during the session. Verlander has been progressing nicely after hurting his calf in a start two weeks ago and expects to return to the Astros rotation before the season is over. That being said, there is no concrete timeline and the team is likely to wait until they are sure Verlander is healthy, considering their current position in the standings. Still, Verlander can do a lot of good for fantasy managers in a small number of starts, so he should be kept around in hopes he returns soon.

Sep 9 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander Throws Off Slope Of Mound

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander (calf) is progressing nicely, perhaps even quicker than expected. He hasn't thrown off a pitching rubber yet, but he threw off the slope of the mound on Wednesday. Verlander is hoping to throw a light bullpen session in the next couple of days, but there's still no concrete timetable for his return to the starting rotation. The Astros will want the 39-year-old two-time Cy Young winner fully healthy for the playoffs, so they'll make sure not to rush him back to close out September. It sounds like he'll be ready to go sooner than later, but he's still running out of time to help fantasy managers. Verlander continues to be excellent for fantasy managers, posting a league-best ERA (1.84) and WHIP (0.85) while striking out 154 and walking 26 in 152 innings over 24 starts in 2022.

Sep 7 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander Throws On Flat Ground Monday

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) was seen throwing on flat ground on Monday. General manager James Click said on Sunday that Verlander isn't likely to return from the 15-day injured list when he's eligible on Sept. 13, but he shouldn't be out too far beyond that. The 39-year-old right-hander could be ready to go on a minor league rehab assignment sometime later this week. Houston will stick with a six-man rotation with Verlander sidelined, and pitching prospect Hunter Brown is scheduled to make his major league debut on Monday against the Texas Rangers. Verlander has been one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2022, going 16-3 with a pristine 1.84 ERA (2.71 FIP), a league-leading 0.85 WHIP and a 154:26 K:BB in 152 innings over 24 starts. Keep him stashed everywhere.

Sep 5 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Astros Place Justin Verlander On Injured List

The Houston Astros placed starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday. The veteran has enjoyed a strong bounce-back season in 2022, both for the American League West club and for fantasy managers, pitching to a 1.84 ERA, a 2.72 FIP, 154 strikeouts, and 26 walks in 152 innings this season. Houston also optioned outfielder Jake Meyers to Triple-A while also recalling pitcher Brandon Bielak and first baseman J.J. Matijevic. The team also added pitching prospect Hunter Brown to their taxi squad.

Aug 30 · Source via Astros Justin Verlander

Historic stats obtained free of charge from and are copyrighted by Retrosheet. ATC projections by Ariel Cohen. Steamer projections by Steamer Projections Blog. THE BAT projections by Derek Carty. Zeile Consensus projections by FantasyPros. Draft Buddy projections by Chris Spencer.