Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander could emerge as one of this offseason's most fascinating free agents - if he decides to opt out of his contract.
With the way he's pitched this season, Verlander hinted that could happen if things go the right way.
"I haven't made that decision yet," Verlander told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. "Look, I have to finish out the season. I have to finish healthy. Obviously, if things continue to go the way they are and, knock on wood, everything goes the way I think everybody would hope, than I would probably opt out. I've pitched pretty damn well."
The 39-year-old, who earned a player option for the 2023 campaign after he hit 130 innings pitched Aug. 4, owns a 15-3 record with an MLB-best 1.95 ERA and 138 strikeouts across 143 frames. He inked a one-year, $25-million deal in December to return to the Astros.
Verlander missed nearly two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery prior to 2022. He admitted that he's thought about what a possible third career Cy Young victory could mean for him following a serious injury.
"I can't even put it into words. It would be incredible," Verlander said. "My family, a new perspective on things, feeling like the game could have been taken away from me at any moment."