Justin Verlander declined a $25 million option with the Houston Astros to become a free agent on Thursday, five days after helping the team with its second World Series title.
The 39-year-old right-hander likely headed to his third Cy Young Award got his first World Series win in nine starts in Game 5 against Philadelphia. The day before that happened, he said it was too early to think about his future."Really and truly it’s been a hell of a ride no matter what happens, whether I stay or don’t," he said. "I’ve really enjoyed my time with this group of guys and the city and getting to know the city.
After pitching one game over the previous two seasons, Verlander became a free agent and re-signed with Houston for a $25 million, one-year deal that included the option. He went 18-4 with a major league-best 1.75 ERA in 28 starts, then was 2-0 with a 5.85 ERA in four postseason outings. He is 244-133 with a 3.24 ERA and 3,198 strikeouts in 17 seasons.
Several others have option decisions due later Thursday. Among the other moves, the New York Mets turned down an $8 million option on right-hander Mychal Givens in favor of a $1.5 million buyout, Baltimore said no to an $11 million option on right-hander Jordan Lyles and will pay a $1 million buyout, and Boston said it and the player had declined a $12 million mutual option on outfielder Tommy Pham, who gets a $1.5 million buyout.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jim Crane: Astros will 'do our best' to retain Justin VerlanderAce Justin Verlander can opt to become a free agent, and Astros owner Jim Crane said the...
Read more »
Pitcher Justin Verlander opts out of $25M in last year of deal with AstrosThe 39-year-old righty opted out of the last year of his deal with the Astros, which was due to pay him $25 million in 2023. Here's who else joined him in free agency.
Read more »
Meet-and-greets with the World Series scheduled for WednesdaySeveral Houston Astros are meeting with fans across Houston Wednesday
Read more »
Meet-and-greets with the World Series scheduled for WednesdaySeveral Houston Astros are meeting with fans across Houston Wednesday
Read more »
Verlander declines $25M Astros option, becomes free agentJustin Verlander has declined a $25 million option with the Houston Astros to become a free agent.
Read more »