MLB insider speculates that Justin Verlander could return to familiar territory in 2026

Justin Verlander is coming off a solid season, and the SF Giants have a need for starting pitching. Could they reunite for a deal in 2026? According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Verlander's next destination could be a return to familiar territory in Houston.

MLB insider speculates that Justin Verlander could return to familiar territory in 2026

Nightengale adds that the Houston Astros have spring training near Verlander's home in Jupiter, Florida. That point has been made by several Giants beat writers as well.

On the other hand, the Giants hold spring training in Scottsdale, Arizona. That means Verlander would spend another six weeks away from his wife, Kate Upton, and two children. His son was born during the 2025 season.

Verlander has already signaled that he wants to continue pitching next season. He should have a healthy market after pitching to a 3.85 ERA in 29 starts for the Giants. The future Hall of Famer wants to reach 300 career wins, but did not get much support from his team in 2025. He only tallied four wins, but pitched much better than that.

The 20-year veteran will likely also be seeking comfort in his next contract. He will be entering his age-43 season in 2026, so contract terms might not be the most important factor. Rather, a chance to spend more time close to home and a chance to compete could be the prevailing factors.

That could lead to a reunion with Houston. It would mark this third stint with the organization. He was traded to the Astros by the Detroit Tigers midway through the 2017 season, and then again right before the 2023 trade deadline. The New York Mets connected with Houston for that second trade.

The Giants have left the door open for Verlander to return. In fact, he is the only player among their small group of free agents who makes sense to bring back. Verlander gave the Giants over 150 innings that they critically need to replace in 2026.

If the season started today, the Giants would roll out a rotation of Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Landen Roupp. Some combination of Blade Tidwell, Hayden Birdsong, and Trevor McDonald would be competing for the final two rotation spots. It is early in the offseason, but the Giants will likely scour the market for starting pitchers.