Sep 17, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander (35) watches from the dugout after pitching 7 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Yankees Could Steal Free Agent Pitcher From Orioles

Originally posted on New York Yankees on SI
By Joseph Randazzo | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 12:00 PM ET

What if there's a world where the New York Yankees miss out on Cody Bellinger, then also watch Freddy Peralta get traded elsewhere? This can easily become a reality, especially if they seem intent on standing pat with the offer they gave Scott Boras' versatile client. This would force them to be creative, and as far as the free agent market goes, the landscape is bare.

If they need somebody to fill innings, the most intriguing free agent — and intriguing is used loosely here — could be the future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, who they should have acquired in 2017, before letting the Astros steal him. It would be years too late, but with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon out to start the season, he is a viable candidate when you consider what is left.

As it stands, though, the one team in on Verlander is a division rival. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, nothing is imminent, but they remain a team to watch out for him

"Free-agent right-hander Justin Verlander is receiving interest from several clubs, according to people briefed on his market. One team, in particular, is intriguing: the Baltimore Orioles," Rosenthal wrote.

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"A deal between Verlander and the Orioles is not close," he continued. "For now, the Orioles almost certainly are aiming higher."

Finally Stealing Verlander

If the Orioles are really in on Verlander, then the Yankees can finally say they took Verlander from somebody else, after watching that backfire on them eight years ago. Granted, signing Verlander away from them isn't great, but they did make a similar move in recent years when they acquired Corey Kluber.

In many ways, this off-season can replicate the Kluber one if they retain Bellinger. That year, they brought back DJ LeMahieu after a slightly contentious and dragged-out free agency, and followed it up by bringing in the veteran right-hander.

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Of course, that winter backfired. LeMahieu was never close to what he was, and after Kluber threw a no-hitter, he got hurt, and in his return, he was a non-factor.

Verlander did have a decent year in San Francisco. He threw for 152 innings to the tune of a 3.85 ERA. If he brings anything close to that, the Yankees would take it. The thought of signing him just wouldn't excite anybody, and rightfully so. Maybe the one person would be elated is Cole. They never did win a World Series together while in Houston, and there could be unfinished business there.