Are the Astros Better Off Without Justin Verlander?

Editor’s note: This is a guest post written by TCB member Daniel May.

On December 5, 2022, the Mets and Justin Verlander agreed to a contract worth $86 million over two years, with a third-year option. Justin Verlander is undoubtedly one of the best pitchers of his generation.

With three Cy Young awards to his name and a plethora of other accolades, you’d have to be brain-dead or a jealous ex-lover not to accept that he’s a first-ballot hall of fame. While keeping Verlander and adding quality position player-free agents would be ideal, the Astros have, comparatively speaking, limited resources. With that said, the Astros made the right decision letting Verlander walk and, hopefully, spending…