Justin Verlander is one of the biggest "what-ifs" when talking about moves the Chicago Cubs weren't able to make from yesteryear. After trading for Jose Quintana ahead of the 2017 MLB trade deadline, the Cubs were not a trade match for the Detroit Tigers when they moved Verlander to the Houston Astros ahead of the waiver deadline in August. It's a regret that Hoyer hasn't been shy about, and one he could correct this offseason.
Verlander, now with the San Francisco Giants, recently told John Shea of the San Francisco Standard that he plans on pitching in 2026.