Inside The Pinstripes

Report: Yankees Offered Justin Verlander $25 Million Deal

The New York Yankees offered starting pitcher Justin Verlander a one-year deal for $25 million in free agency. Verlander chose to sign with the Houston Astros.

Max Goodman

Justin Verlander didn't sign with the Yankees, but he certainly had a lucrative deal on the table to play in New York.

The Yankees reportedly offered Verlander a one-year, $25 million deal, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network. 

The two-time Cy Young Award winner elected to return to Houston, however, agreeing to terms with the Astros on a similar contract, but one that included a player option for a second year and another $25 million.

Verlander is damaged goods, but his upside is that of an ace. The right-hander hasn't pitched since July of 2020, undergoing Tommy John surgery a few months later and missing all of the 2021 season. 

New York sent a scout to watch Verlander throw a bullpen earlier this offseason, a showcase that proved to teams the right-hander still has some gas left in the tank. Even entering his 17th big-league season, the 38-year-old can still perform at the top of a rotation if he's healthy. 

If New York, Houston and more were willing to pay this much money for a player entering his age-39 season, you have to believe he's ready to distance himself from elbow surgery and produce once again. After all, his last full season resulted in a Cy Young Award (in 2019). 

This report on the Yankees' offer for Verlander shows that New York is willing to invest in their rotation. General manager Brian Cashman has already mentioned this offseason that he expects the team's payroll to increase in 2022. This move would have certainly pointed New York in that direction. 

Considering how much money Verlander, Noah Syndergaard and Eduardo Rodríguez have made in free agency already, the remaining starting pitchers that are available are going to get paid. It's up to Cashman and the Yankees to decide if they want to spend a significant amount on pitching or use their winter budget on bats, like a shortstop, an outfielder and more.

MORE:

Follow Max Goodman on Twitter (@MaxTGoodman), be sure to bookmark Inside The Pinstripes and check back daily for news, analysis and more.

Published
Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

Home/News