Orioles Showing Interest in Justin Verlander as Rotation Options Dwindle
As the baseball world buzzes over the eye-popping deals handed out to Kyle Tucker (four years, $240 million with the Dodgers) and Bo Bichette (three years, $126 million with the Mets), the Orioles are quietly working the edges of the pitching market. According to Ken Rosenthal, Baltimore is among a handful of teams expressing interest in veteran right-hander Justin Verlander.
Yes, that Justin Verlander - 42 years old, 20 seasons deep, and still drawing attention from contenders looking to bolster their rotations. After spending 2025 with the Giants and posting a 3.85 ERA over 152 innings, the future Hall of Famer has proven he can still get outs, even if he’s no longer the overpowering ace of old.
Rosenthal made it clear that talks between the Orioles and Verlander aren’t close to heating up. Baltimore is still eyeing a bigger swing for the top of the rotation. But with the market thinning out, Verlander could emerge as a viable Plan B.
The State of the Market
Framber Valdez remains the top free-agent arm available, but the price tag for frontline starters has jumped into the stratosphere. Tucker’s $60 million annual average value and Bichette’s $42 million AAV have raised the bar for what it might take to land a top-tier pitcher - and it’s fair to wonder if the Orioles are willing to shop in that aisle.
Beyond Valdez, options like Zac Gallen, Lucas Giolito, and Chris Bassitt remain, but the drop-off is noticeable. And while trade possibilities such as Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, or MacKenzie Gore are intriguing, they’d likely come with a steep prospect cost - the kind of deal that could gut a farm system.
That’s where Verlander comes in. He’s not the flashy name he once was, but he’s still a steady presence who could help stabilize a rotation and mentor a young staff. He’s also under contract for a much more modest $15 million in 2025 - a figure that keeps Baltimore financially flexible if they want to make a bigger move later in the season.
A Familiar Name in the Rumor Mill
This isn’t the first time the Orioles have been linked to Verlander. Back in 2023, there was chatter about a potential trade when Verlander was with the Mets.
At the time, he was coming off a dominant 2022 campaign (1.75 ERA over 175 innings) and still looked like a frontline option. Ultimately, he went back to Houston, and the Orioles pivoted to Jack Flaherty.
Neither move paid off in the postseason, as both teams were bounced by the eventual champion Texas Rangers.
Fast forward to now, and Verlander’s role would be very different. He’s no longer expected to carry a rotation - and in Baltimore, he wouldn’t have to.
The O’s rotation is in a stronger place than it was a year ago when they took a chance on Charlie Morton, hoping he could anchor a staff that lacked a true No. 1.
Morton struggled, and the experiment didn’t pan out.
This time around, Verlander would likely slot in behind Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers, and alongside the newly acquired Shane Baz. His job wouldn’t be to dominate every fifth day - it would be to eat innings, provide leadership, and maybe flash some vintage Verlander when it counts. The real upside of the rotation lies with Bradish, Rogers, Baz, and the potential rise of prospect Trey Gibson.
Risk vs. Reward
Signing a 42-year-old pitcher is never without risk. Verlander’s velocity and strikeout rates have dipped, and he hasn’t logged 200 innings in a season since 2019. Orioles fans still remember the Morton signing and may be wary of another aging arm.
But there’s a case to be made for this move. Verlander brings postseason experience, a championship pedigree, and a reputation for preparation and leadership. For a team that’s looking to take the next step without mortgaging the future, that kind of presence in the clubhouse can be invaluable.
No, he’s not the ace fans were hoping for. But if the Orioles don’t find the right fit at the top of the market, Verlander could be a smart, short-term solution - and a steadying force for a rotation that’s close to becoming something special.
Around the Warehouse
- Rob Bell turns 49 today. He pitched in 30 games out of the Orioles bullpen back in 2007, finishing with a 5.94 ERA over 53 innings.
- Dick Brown, born in 1935, shared catching duties with John Orsino during the mid-1960s. His career - and life - were tragically cut short by a brain tumor.
- Jay Heard, born in 1920, holds a special place in Orioles history as the franchise’s first African-American player after their move to Baltimore. He made two appearances for the 1954 team.
This Day in O’s History
Not much has happened on January 17 in Orioles history - at least not yet. But who knows? Maybe today’s the day something big breaks.
Elsewhere on this date:
- In 1920, the Volstead Act took effect, ushering in Prohibition across the U.S.
- In 1950, the Great Brink’s Robbery unfolded in Boston, with thieves making off with over $2 million.
- And in 2013, Lance Armstrong sat down with Oprah and admitted to doping throughout his cycling career.
Plenty of headlines on this day over the years. We’ll see if the Orioles add one of their own.