Justin Verlander Declines Player Option, Elects Free Agency

Houston Astros ace and Cy Young finalist Justin Verlander is hitting the open market ahead of his age-40 season.

As expected, Justin Verlander has declined his $25 million player option for 2022. The ace right-hander will hit the free agent market for the second consecutive year, looking to land another lucrative deal. 

Verlander had a dominant season at age-39, posting a 1.75 ERA in 28 starts. He led the American League in ERA, wins, WHIP, and hits per nine. On Monday, he was named a Cy Young finalist for the eighth time in his career

The nine-time All-Star was also instrumental in the Houston Astros' World Series run. He was the winning pitcher in Game 5 of the Fall Classic, throwing five innings of one-run ball against the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Owner Jim Crane has already made it clear that re-signing Verlander is a priority this offseason. He seems to believe the feeling is mutual, telling Mark Berman of Fox 26, "I think he wants to stay here. He's got a good chance to win here."

Astros owner Jim Crane is hopeful he can retain @JustinVerlander who’s contract is up: “We’ll make the phone call pretty quick here.” pic.twitter.com/ykHXbbVt3G

— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) November 6, 2022

While many pitchers would be considering retirement after seventeen big league seasons, Verlander has no plans to slow down anytime soon. "I obviously was gifted to throw a baseball," he told press ahead of the ALCS. "So why would I stop that short?”

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