Pitcher Justin Verlander is returning to the Astros, according to MLB Network's Ben Verlander, his brother. The report was confirmed by various sources.
It's a one-year deal worth $25 million with a player option for a second year, per Fox 26 in Houston. If Verlander were to opt in for the second year, it would be for another $25 million, according to MLB Network's John Heyman.
Verlander rejected the team's $18.4 qualifying offer earlier Wednesday before signing the new deal.
The eight-time All Star was rumored to entertain re-joining the Tigers, among other potential free agency destinations.