Justin Verlander's Astros contract approved by MLB

It was reported last month that two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander had come to terms on an agreement to stay with the Houston Astros on a one-year contract worth $25 million that includes a $25 million player option for a second season. There were, however, questions about if that deal was officially finalized before the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement on the night of Dec. 1. 

ESPN's Buster Olney reported Monday MLB has approved Verlander's contract despite the ongoing lockout that seemingly has no end in sight ahead of Christmas. According to Olney, the deal was submitted to the league just hours before the Dec. 1 CBA deadline and has been OK'd by MLB and the MLB Players Association. 

In the grand scheme of things, Monday's update on the situation was merely a formality. Both Verlander and the Astros were obviously keen on maintaining their working relationship and could've finalized the contract whenever the lockout ends. However, the 38-year-old must be relieved to be on the deal considering he's working to return from Tommy John surgery he underwent in September 2020 that cost him all of last season. Had he suffered a setback this winter and not been signed, the Astros theoretically could've worked to walk away from the agreement. 

Instead, Verlander's contract is now in effect for at least the 2022 campaign.