HOUSTON -- Should the Astros try to bring back veteran right-hander Justin Verlander this offseason?

Considering the Astros’ need for starting pitching depth, signing Verlander for a third stint in Houston makes sense for a lot of reasons. At the top of the list is that the Astros might not be in position to sign any of the big names on the pitching free-agent market, given the expected contract lengths and financial commitment it would take.

Signings & Trades

Verlander, who will turn 43 on Feb. 20, made 29 starts for the Giants last season and threw 152 innings. He was 4-11 with a 3.85 ERA after San Francisco, which signed him to a one-year, $15 million deal in January, struggled to provide him with consistent run support. He’s 34 wins shy of reaching 300, which is a mark he has sa

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