What The Yankees Reportedly Offered Justin Verlander
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 01: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros looks on from the dugout in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on May 1, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Earlier this week, Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros agreed to a one-year, $25 million contract. It was a significant move for the Astros considering they weren't the only American League contender interested in the two-time Cy Young winner.
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman just revealed that Verlander received interest from the New York Yankees. He was also offered a one-year deal worth $25 million.
The reason Verlander accepted the Astros' offer is because it included a player option for a second season.
"Yankees offered Verlander $25M 1-year deal," Heyman tweeted on Saturday afternoon. "Solid offer but weren’t going to beat the $50M 2-year deal with opt out he got from Astros."
Verlander would've been a perfect fit alongside Gerrit Cole in the Bronx, as we've already seen the two aces have success together in Houston.
At 38 years old, Verlander was wise to accept a deal that gives him options past next season.
If Verlander returns to his All-Star form in 2022, he could decline his player option and revisit the open market. And if things don't work out, he can always pick up his $25 million option for the 2023 season.
Verlander missed the entire 2021 season because he underwent surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament. In 2019, he had a 21-6 record with a 2.58 ERA and 300 strikeouts.
