HOUSTON -- Justin Verlander ventured into the free-agent market for the first time last offseason and could do so again in a matter of weeks. His contract comes with a $25 million player option for 2023, granted by virtue of him reaching, and easily surpassing, the 130-inning threshold this season.
But in all likelihood he'll decline it in search of greater compensation, setting up the possibility of Friday's World Series opener being his last home start as a member of the Houston Astros.
"I'm just kind of along for the ride right now," said Verlander, who will oppose Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola in Game 1.