Verlander was way better than his numbers with the Astros in 2024, and there's almost no such thing as a risky one-year deal. Look for him to pad his Hall of Fame resume.

Verlander's velocity was down in 2024. But that doesn't tell the whole story behind his struggles or what to expect from him in 2025.

Justin Verlander received a standing ovation as he left the mound at then-Minute Maid Park on Sept. 20, an acknowledgement from Houston Astros fans of a possibility that was realized Tuesday. Verlander,