Will Justin Verlander re-sign with Houston?

This offseason, the World Series Champion Houston Astros have a few questions to answer, including whether or not to bring back veteran ace and 2022 Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. 

With Verlander set to test the open market, will the Astros meet the demand for the 39-year-old, or will he be wearing another uniform come spring? 

This week, Verlander spoke to reporters about how he's approaching free agency, and while he didn't close the door on returning to Houston, it sounds like there's a possibility the team could be priced out of the bidding. 

"I'm going to be in a situation where the market will dictate this and we'll see what happens," Verlander said, per MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. "Obviously, there are other people that are interested." 

Verlander told reporters that he hasn't had contract negotiations with the Astros but added that Houston owner Jim Crane "wants to be involved going forward." 

"I don't know what the future holds," Verlander said. "This journey with the Astros has been nothing short of incredible." 

Verlander's words sound very past tense when referencing his time with the Astros, which may or may not be a hint about his future. Ahead of his start in Game 5 of the World Series, Verlander had similar thoughts, calling playing in Houston a "hell of a ride — however it turns out." 

The Astros already know the possible going rate for Verlander, but like him, they may be waiting for the market to play out. On Tuesday, Astros owner Jim Crane told McTaggart that Verlander is looking for a deal similar to the one Max Scherzer signed (three years, $130 million) with the New York Mets last offseason. 

That number isn't likely to scare away any teams, and one in particular, the New York Mets, have reportedly discussed the idea internally. According to SNY's Andy Martino, signing Verlander to a Scherzer-like contract has been "floating" around the Mets front office. 

What team Verlander lands with this offseason will likely come down to money, as it always does. However, the Astros have certain advantages other clubs don't, which leads many to believe he'll be back in Houston. 

Houston is home for Verlander, and he may want to avoid uprooting his family ahead of the final seasons of his career. Also, the Astros roster is as good as any, ready to win now and in the future, giving the ace a chance to go out on top.