The Yankees go into the 2021 offseason looking to add to their rotation and they’ve been linked to the ageless wonder Justin Verlander. Verlander will enter 2022 going into his age 39 season and coming off TJ surgery. Many will cite the Corey Kluber signing from 2020 as a reason not to go after Verlander, but myself and many others will cite the many differences between these two players. Verlander recently held a workout for teams at the Cressey Facilities where he was touching 95-97 mph on his fastball. Many, if not all scouts in attendance were blown away and were able to leave with confidence that Verlander was in fact 100% healthy.
The connection with Eric Cressey (Yankees Director of Player Health and Development) and his desire to be on a competitive team has linked Verlander to the Yankees from jump street. Verlander still has the option to return to the Astros by accepting the Qualifying Offer ($18.4 million), but many have reported that he will enter free agency. According to Jeff Passan, who appeared on the “Talkin Baseball” podcast, he said that he does not believe the narrative that Detroit will be in on both Carlos Correa and Justin Verlander after signing Eduardo Rodriguez (5 year/$80 million) earlier on Monday (November 15th). Passan also said that he believes the Yankees are very much in on Verlander and hinted that they are the favorites to get the 2019 Cy Young Award winners signature.
The Yankees are in desperate need of a starting pitcher (or two) and Verlander could walk into that locker room and change the culture immediately. He’s an ace in every aspect and his bulldog mentality is something that can rub off on many of the young arms that the Yankees have. Verlander also has connections to current Yankee ace Gerrit Cole. Cole and Verlander reigned terror over the A.L. (including the Yankees in 2019) for 2 years in Houston and can push one another to these heights once again in New York. Verlander can be a mentor for young arms, ace, and team leader all in one and that is why I believe that he is a perfect fit for the New York Yankees.
Predicted Contract: 2 years/$40 million (with a 3rd year team option and incentives to get to $25 million AAV)
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