Astros GM: 'It would be tremendous' if Verlander returns

Justin Verlander Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Astros GM: 'It would be tremendous' if Justin Verlander returns to Houston

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/10/21

Justin Verlander reportedly looked healthy in his showcase for scouts on Monday as the free-agent starting pitcher hopes for a bounce-back season in 2022. Now it's just a matter of where the two-time Cy Young Award winner ends up.

Verlander threw a 25-pitch session on Monday for roughly 20 teams in his first mound appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2020. Although the Houston Astros extended a qualifying offer, there are other teams reportedly looking to scoop up the right-handed ace, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers.

Verlander has until Nov. 17 to decide if he wants to accept Houston's qualifying offer set at $18.4 million for one year.

"If we can find a way to bring him back to Houston, it would be tremendous," Astros general manager James Click said, via ESPN.

Verlander reportedly did not spend any close time with the Astros while he recovered from the surgery, although Click said the team kept tabs on him.

"We've kept a close eye on him," Click said. "He's been great about letting us know when he's going to be throwing so we can get in there and get an eye on him, see how he's doing. The videos I've seen have been awesome."

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