Justin Verlander, Houston Astros agree on extension

Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros have agreed to a contract extension, per multiple reports. Verlander would have been a free agent at the end of the season but for an extension.

The 36 year old righthander will be getting $33 million per year for the 2020-21 seasons, per reports. That’s a lot of money in annual salary, but he’s worth it if he pitches close to what he has the last couple of years. That said, pitchers in their late 30s can fall off the cliff in a hurry, so there’s inherent risk involved.

After losing Dallas Keuchel and Charlie Morton this offseason, Houston was faced with the possibility of losing Verlander and Gerrit Cole after this season, and there was a sense they’d try to extend at least one of them. Cole, a Scott Boras client who appears likely to be the top free agent pitcher in the upcoming market, seems less likely to extend.