![](https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/LJHOZMQM4JG7XBRN5YYC2DRO3Y.jpg)
Justin Verlander opts out, making Astros ace a free agent
![Justin Verlander opts out, making Astros ace a free agent](https://gray-wbng-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/-1AHZp-bnzxMhDK-2vsFg5_8wZc=/1200x675/smart/filters:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/FG3QFBSC7FEDZIKLN3AHH67JW4.png)
Astros reacquire Justin Verlander from Mets, a deal owner Jim Crane tells AP was an easy decision
![Justin Verlander opts out, making Astros ace a free agent](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/11/049c7-16681133085394-1920.jpg)
Houston Astros fans disappointed as ace pitcher opts out of contract, becoming a free agent
![Justin Verlander opts out, making Astros ace a free agent](https://elitesportsny.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/USATSI_19353837-scaled.jpg)
Pursuing Justin Verlander makes more sense for Yankees than Mets
MORE
![Justin Verlander opts out, making Astros ace a free agent](https://cdn.theathletic.com/app/uploads/2022/12/05154518/USATSI_19214996-scaled.jpg)
Mets get their ace: Five takeaways on Justin Verlander's two-year, $86.66 million deal - The Athletic
![Justin Verlander opts out, making Astros ace a free agent](https://www.pilotonline.com/wp-content/uploads/migration/2022/03/18/7MATWZ5VAZR5ODHCHWC7YZUBHU.jpg?w=1024)
Astros' Justin Verlander shows he still can throw the heat – The Virginian-Pilot
![Justin Verlander opts out, making Astros ace a free agent](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5s6xtAUiWNyQX-HBcxOhFZChzUU=/0x0:2430x3126/1200x800/filters:focal(911x701:1299x1089)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56490775/832122686.0.jpg)
Starting Nine: Astros trade for Justin Verlander - The Crawfish Boxes
![Justin Verlander opts out, making Astros ace a free agent](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2023/07/30/a65d1f08-34ad-4754-829b-7dd634a9369e/thumbnail/1200x675/0d3c563bb08b9686b11a7f9329761daa/ohtani-getty-27.png)
Justin Verlander trade rumors: Five landing spots that make most sense if Mets trade another veteran star
![Justin Verlander opts out, making Astros ace a free agent](https://cdn.mlbtraderumors.com/files/2021/11/USATSI_13589556-219x300.jpg)
Astros To Re-Sign Justin Verlander - MLB Trade Rumors
![Justin Verlander opts out, making Astros ace a free agent](https://thespun.com/.image/t_share/MTgzMTI4MjU2NDE4NDI0MTYw/justin-verlander.jpg)
MLB World Reacts To Justin Verlander Contract Decision - The Spun: What's Trending In The Sports World Today
![Justin Verlander opts out, making Astros ace a free agent](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/11/7b8e5-16681148414871-1920.jpg)
Houston Astros fans disappointed as ace pitcher opts out of contract, becoming a free agent
![Justin Verlander opts out, making Astros ace a free agent](https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/verlander1280.jpg)
Verlander returns to Astros, Mets include $54M in trade