Verlander blames noncompetitive teams for slow free-agent market

Justin Verlander isn't mincing words about the stagnant free-agent market.

The ace right-hander met with the media Saturday afternoon during the Houston Astros FanFest and told Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle that the issue is a lack of competitiveness around MLB.

"The biggest detriment to our game right now is the non-competitiveness of two-thirds of the league," Verlander said. "I think that's why you're seeing free agents not get signed."

Verlander, who is eligible to hit free agency after the 2019 season, believes players will need to "make adjustments" if they want to see future changes.

The lack of movement during the offseason is also a cause of concern for the MLBPA as union head Tony Clark recently called the dead time in free agency a "threat" to baseball.

Many free agents still remain unsigned including in-their-prime superstars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado along with ace lefty Dallas Keuchel and closer Craig Kimbrel. The start of spring training is inching closer with pitchers and catchers reporting in mid-February.