Key Highlights
- Rymer evaluated Justin Verlander's free agent market on Tuesday and listed the Tigers as a potential fit for the future Hall of Fame right-hander."Nonetheless, the obvious question at this point is how much he [Verlander] has left in the tank," Rymer wrote.
- "He'll be 43 years old on February 20, and the success he had this year obscures how he can't really overpower hitters anymore.
- His fastball velocity, whiff rate, and strikeout rate were all below average."Verlander finished the 2025 season on a high noteVerlander struggled during the early portion of the 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants, but turned things around post-All-Star break. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe had a 3.62 ERA in August and a 2.08 ERA in five starts in September, holding opponents to a .212 batting average in 30.1 innings. The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2011 AL MVP increased his slider usage during the year and found increased success. Rymer believes Verlander can be a No.
- 3 starter in a contending team's rotation in 2026.
- Would the Tigers welcome a reunion?More MLB news:Ha-Seong Kim's deal with the Braves tagged as a big overpayRobert Suarez's deal with the Braves deemed as a huge overpayGiants urged to take a closer look at potential outfield upgradeGiants unlikely to land four-time All-Star free agent this offseasonBlue Jays' Cody Ponce contemplating WBC offer from Team Mexico.
