The Houston Astros should leave no stone unturned in their quest to strengthen the starting rotation. With their budget tight in 2026 and multiple long-term contracts bogging down the payroll for years to come, looking for short-term fixes might be in their best interests.
That has led some to believe that a reunion with Justin Verlander might be the best path forward. The Astros love Verlander, whom they traded for in 2023, mere months after letting him walk in free agency and sign with the New York Mets.
Signing Verlander for round three in Houston wouldn't just be about nostalgia, though.