It was sad to see the Houston Astros season end for many reasons. Not only did this team have its sights set on winning a World Series, but there is a real possibility that they will lose players who have been with the organization for a long time.

Among those players is Justin Verlander, and although he left the Astros in 2023 to join the New York Mets, he has been with the organization outside of it since 2017. During that period he was a big part of their success and helped them establish a dynasty.

He is arguably the best pitcher of the past decade, but unfortunately he took a turn for the worse in 2024 with Houston. That could be due to all his injuries, but it’s also fair to suggest he’s just getting too old and isn’t the best he’s ever been. the same type of arm he once was.

His free agency will be one of the more interesting players in the league this winter. He plans to continue playing, but it is uncertain whether many teams would be interested in signing him.

Among the teams that could potentially use his services are the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have an above-average rotation, but lack an elite right-handed arm.

If Verlander returned to the pitcher he once was, he would give Chicago just that.

However, FanSided’s Jake Misener doesn’t expect that to be the case and is urging the Cubs to avoid the former Astros ace.

The pieces are in place for Chicago to turn around a starting rotation that ranked second in the National League with a 3.77 ERA. Left-handers Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga lead the charge, with Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad in the back with proven will resume at the highest level… There’s a lot going on this season, including, but not limited to, Hoyer’s job. Digging into the archives and betting on a guy who’s clearly past his prime isn’t a serious move to turn the page of the past for the sake of the future on the North Side.”

After posting a 5.48 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and just 74 strikeouts in 90 1/3 innings pitched, it’s more than fair to wonder if the Virginia native will ever return to All-Star caliber.

If Chicago doesn’t sign him, someone else probably will. Verlander has built a legendary career and teams respect that.

There’s no debate he’ll end up as a first-ballot Hall of Famer after posting a career 3.30 ERA and winning three Cy Young Awards.