Justin Verlander linked to 1 team in free agent rumors

Justin Verlander may have a pathway back to the American League.

The Baltimore Orioles are in the conversation for the three-time Cy Young Award Verlander, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported on Monday. Morosi notes that the Orioles would like to add at least one more starting pitcher this offseason (with Verlander still available as an unsigned free agent).

Additionally, Baltimore is reportedly interested in fellow veteran righty Max Scherzer as well. However, Morosi indicates that a Scherzer signing is less likely in light of a recent report that Scherzer could wait a very long time before making his free agent decision.

Verlander, who turns 43 years old next month, would be entering his 21st MLB season in 2026. He was very passable for the San Francisco Giants last year, posting a 3.85 ERA and 137 strikeouts over 29 total starts.

The former AL MVP Verlander was also a surprisingly strong innings-eater in 2025, especially for a player of his age. Verlander threw 152.0 innings and managed to post a positive season-long WAR of 1.2.

As for Baltimore, they were the basement team of the AL East last season at 75-87 but have since had a very strong winter. On top of signing Pete Alonso, re-signing Zach Eflin, and trading for both Taylor Ward and Shane Baz, the Orioles could add Verlander to the mix after picking up another multi-time All-Star pitcher too.