How long is Justin Verlander's contract with the Astros and how much are they paying him?

Justin Verlander is a key part of the Astros rotation. The three-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champion is in the final year of his two-year deal that was inherited by the Astros when they traded with the Mets for him last season. It washed out at $43.3 million per year, half of which was paid by the Mets and included an option for a third year. That option could have been worth an additional $35 million for JV, but will not be in play following his injury at mid season which kept him below the 140 innings threshold that he needed to pitch in order to trigger that clause.

Now, as the season winds down, Verlander is looking at free agency. He’s still a dominant force on the mound when healthy and a shoo-in Hall of Famer, but at 41, questions about how much he has left linger. Even with the injury, he’s posted a respectable 3.95 ERA this year, striking out 51 batters in 57 innings. But that number of innings is exactly where the concern lies. He just hasn’t been able to stay on the field as consistently as he or the Astros would like.

Since June 9, Verlander hasn’t thrown a pitch for Houston, which is worrisome as the team eyes October and a playoff run. With so much uncertainty, it’s unclear what kind of contract Verlander could fetch in the offseason. The general feeling around the league, though, is that he will return to Houston, likely for less money than his current deal. As Michael Brakebill from FanSided puts it, the Astros’ farm system is thin, and they’ll need to spend in free agency to stay competitive. He believes Verlander will sign a final contract to finish out his career in Houston.

Whether Verlander takes a “hometown discount” to stay with a club where he’s found so much success is another question. He’s nearing the end of a Hall of Fame career, and while injuries have taken a toll, there’s no doubting his desire to finish strong.

As the Astros gear up for their final regular-season games, they face a tough road ahead with their playoff hopes on the line. Their upcoming schedule is as follows:

These last games will play a huge role in determining the Astros’ fate this season, and whether Verlander can contribute will be a critical piece of the puzzle. If this is his final hurrah in Houston, it’s only fitting it comes with playoff implications hanging in the balance.