The Houston Astros’ season is over after a 5-2 home loss to the Detroit Tigers Wednesday capped a two-game American League Wild Card Series sweep.
After the defeat, Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander told reporters he’s not ready to retire just yet, mentioning his desire to continue pitching and competing.
The 2024 season was a tough one for Verlander, who turns 42 years old in February. He began the year on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation but returned and posted a 3.95 ERA in 10 starts.
However, Verlander went back on the IL in June due to lingering neck discomfort and missed two-and-a-half months. He struggled in his final seven starts with an 8.10 ERA. Houston left him off the roster for the AL Wild Card Series.
Verlander ultimately finished the year with a 5-6 record, a 5.48 ERA (1.38 WHIP) and 7.4 K/9 rate over 17 starts (90.1 innings). He will enter free agency next season.
When healthy, Verlander has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this century. The future Hall of Famer is a nine-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner who also won the 2011 American League MVP award. The 20-year veteran is a two-time ERA title winner and a two-time World Series victor as well.
Verlander is two years removed from one of his best seasons, when he went 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA (0.83 WHIP) and an MLB-best (and career-best) 218 ERA+ in 2022, which ended with Houston winning the World Series. It was an incredible feat for Verlander in his age-39 season, especially after missing all of 2021 due to Tommy John surgery. He still fared well in 2023, going 13-8 with a 3.22 ERA and 1.13 WHIP.
It’s certainly possible that a healthy offseason and spring training allows Verlander to push past 2024 and find success once again. At any rate, Verlander clearly doesn’t want to end his career on a down note and will look to return strong in 2025.
