<\/p>\n
The Houston Astros fell apart at the end of last season. They watched as the Seattle Mariners dominated them and stole the American League West out from under their noses.<\/p>\n
To make matters worse, the Astros seem bound to lose their ace Framber Valdez in free agency. Valdez is projected to sign for over $150 million this offseason, which is seemingly outside of Houston\u2019s price range. As a result, the Astros are going to need to pivot to cheaper alternatives to replace Valdez and keep the team afloat.<\/p>\n
![\"Houston](\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_5508,h_3098\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_1440:810,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/inside_the_astros\/01jgp7757pampznynj5h.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball predicted the Astros would sign veteran pitcher Justin Verlander of the San Francisco Giants on a one-year, $12 million deal this winter.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone loves a good reunion,\u201d Finkelstein wrote. \u201cCarlos Correa is already back in town, why not bring back the old horse for another shot at the rodeo?<\/p>\n
\u201cJustin Verlander managed to make 29 starts and pitch 152 innings at 42 years old last year. He has long said he wants to pitch until he is 45, and there are some big milestones he wants to chase along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Velander would be a solid option for the Astros to pivot to, assuming they lose Valdez.<\/p>\n
Verlander had a decent season with the Giants last year, but he seemed to find his stride late in the year. As a result, the Astros could pick him up in hopes that he could continue rolling this year. If Verlander can post around a 4.00 or 4.30 ERA, the Astros would be in a good spot with him signed to a one-year deal.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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