The Houston Astros clearly struggled in a number of key categories as they missed the postseason for the first time since 2016, and one of them was starting pitching.
While ace Hunter Brown was terrific and one of the top nominees for the 2025 American League Cy Young Award, the rest of the rotation struggled throughout the year. Framber Valdez had a very uncharacteristic and inconsistent season. Besides those two, injuries really hurt Houston.
Astros Pitching Injury Woes
At the start of the season, Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski were out with Tommy John surgery. Lance McCullers Jr. returned for the first time since the 2022 World Series, but suffered multiple injuries throughout the summer. Spencer Arrighetti also experienced two injury setbacks during the season.
Meanwhile, Cristian Javier struggled with consistency while returning from Tommy John surgery, and Luis Garcia unfortunately suffered another major arm injury and is now no longer on the team. It’s safe to say that the rotation for 2026 is in question. Jason Alexander became a key starter, but where do the Astros go besides relying on Brown and Javier?
One of the many required answers for help could be a familiar one: Justin Verlander.
Verlander Could Be Astros Bound Once Again
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Verlander’s next destination could be a return to Houston. That is not exclusive reporting, as it is widely known among Astros reporters in Houston that JV greatly enjoyed his time with the Astros and remains open to returning.
In case anyone was wondering, Justin Verlander will more than likely be back in Houston next season pic.twitter.com/SRILkCOu1q
— Yordaddy
(@Yordaddy2025mvp) November 4, 2025
Earlier this month, the Crush City Territory podcast featuring the Astros beat writer for The Athletic, Chandler Rome, echoed these thoughts. Houston will always be one of Verlander’s top locations to play in. Rome even said that before Verlander went to the San Francisco Giants this past season, he asked Astros owner Jim Crane if they were able to retain him. While the answer was no in 2025, it’s looking likely that it will happen in 2026.
More on Verlander’s Situation
Verlander is a free agent after completing his one-year, $15 million contract with the Giants. It was an average season for the now 20-year veteran, who threw for 152 innings after just 90 1/3 with the Astros last season. The 42-year-old was just 4-11 in 29 starts with a 3.85 ERA and 137 strikeouts.
While Verlander struggled in a couple of starts every month, he put together great numbers in six out of his last seven starts in San Francisco.
Another reason for his possible Astros return is that he owns a home near their spring training facility in Jupiter, Florida. JV experienced his greatest success and the highest of achievements in Houston, earning two World Series titles and two Cy Young Awards.
Two-time World Series champion Justin Verlander could reunite with Houston this offseason, per @BNightengale.
“Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander’s next destination could be a return to Houston.”
Would you like to see JV back in a #Astros uniform?
pic.twitter.com/BQK1WbHoOq
— Full Seam Ahead (@FullSeamAhead) November 14, 2025
The future Hall of Famer made a name for himself with the Detroit Tigers, having won AL Rookie of the Year in 2006 before his incredible 2011 MVP season, where he won his first Cy Young Award. JV was a six-time All-Star and threw two no-hitters with the Tigers, but solidified himself as one of the best in this generation with the Astros, thanks to his postseason performances.
An Astros Legend
Verlander threw the third no-hitter of his career in 2019 against the Toronto Blue Jays, the same season that he won his second Cy Young Award. He became just the sixth pitcher of all time to throw three no-hitters. 2019 was also the season in which he reached 3,000 strikeouts and a career high of 15 strikeouts in a game. His numbers that year featured 300 strikeouts, a 21-6 record in 34 starts, and 223 innings pitched.
His trade helped the Astros win their first championship in 2017. The 6-foot-5 righty appeared in six games in the 2017 postseason and went 4-1 with a 2.21 ERA. This included a complete game one-hitter in Game Two of the 2017 ALCS as well as two quality World Series starts.
Verlander earned the first World Series win of his career in Game Five of the 2022 Fall Classic. JV won his 3rd Cy Young Award that season thanks to a ridiculous 1.75 ERA in 28 starts, the lowest of his illustrious career after his full recovery from Tommy John surgery at age 39. Verlander has a 2.71 ERA and a 73-28 record in 130 games for the Astros.
What the Future Could Hold for JV
While the injury concerns remain for a pitcher at Verlander’s age, there are more risks. His effectiveness when playing is uncertain. His last season with the Astros in 2024 was a struggle, with a 5.48 ERA in over 90 innings pitched.
However, he has been a great fit with the Astros over the years. Verlander can take on the veteran leadership role and coach up the younger pitchers. While being someone who can contribute on the mound, his off-the-field impact in the clubhouse can be a huge positive.
Verlander has stated in the past that he will keep on pitching, and his 21st season in the big leagues is looking like it could be with the Astros once again.
Main Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The post Astros Could See Another Reunion with Future HOFer in 2026 appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.