Justin Verlander is 35 years old right now and will be a free agent after the 2019 MLB season. He also doesn’t plan on retiring any time soon.
Verlander said he plans “to pitch into my mid 40s” and is willing to bet on himself with a short-term contract next year.
Justin Verlander is a free agent for 1st time after year and while “I plan to pitch into my mid 40s,” he also said, “I don’t need to sign a 5-year deal.” JV, 35, is OK going shorter and betting on himself, as long as value is right; he’s “cognizant” of potential effect on market.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 6, 2019
Verlander isn’t ruling out a return to Houston, if there is mutual interest.
Verlander hasn’t ruled out staying with the Astros, if they show interest. “I haven’t shut the door — good team, good guys,” he said. At this stage, he said that’s as important as anything.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 6, 2019
He also joked about wanting to play in the National League for years, only to see that the DH will soon be in play there, too.
Verlander, who’s pitched 14 years in the much tougher (for a pitcher) AL, joked, “I’ve been waiting all these years to go to the NL, and (now) they’re going to put it the DH in!”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 6, 2019
In his 14 years as a professional, Verlander has a 204-123 record with an ERA of 3.39 while striking out 2,706 batters.
He’s a seven-time All-Star, a World Series champ, a Cy Young winner, has thrown two no-hitters and has led the American League in strikeouts five times. He’s also become one of the most outspoken players in MLB.
Now with the Houston Astros, Verlander remains one of the most dominant pitchers in the game today. Given his recent dominance (2.52 ERA with 290 strikeouts last season), it’s not hard to imagine him thriving well into his 40s, provided his health holds.