Justin Verlander Declines $25M Astros Contract Option for 2023 Season, Will Be FA

The MLB free-agent class is expected to include Verlander.

Jon Morosi reported that the veteran pitcher declined the $25 million option for the 2023 season.

It was an expected result since it will allow Verlander to pursue a longer and more lucrative contract on the open market, according to Morosi.

There was something of a workload contingency for the option to go into effect as Verlander agreed to a one-year, $25 million deal.

Given his recent injuries, it was notable that he triggered it in August.

He told reporters at the time that he wasn't going to be able to pitch to 130. The Astros owner told me they wanted 130 hours for my player option. I asked for a straight player option and they said they would like 130. I liked the way I pitched that number.

Due to Tommy John surgery, Verlander missed the entire 2021. He will be 40 years old during the upcoming season, after missing time with a calf injury.

He is a future Hall of Fame pitcher and one of the best pitchers of his generation. Since he could make more money on the open market as a free agent, he decided to stay with the team.

Even with the calf injury, he was the best pitcher in the American League, leading the league with 18 wins, a 1.75 earned run average and a 0.82 WHIP.

He helped the Astros win their second World Series title.

Since joining the Astros in a trade with the Detroit Tigers, Verlander has solidified his place in the Hall of Fame.

If the Astros make a fair offer, it will be difficult for him to sign elsewhere despite opting out.