The Houston Astros’ postseason hopes came to a stunning halt after being swept by the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card round. Fans were left in disbelief as Justin Verlander, a future Hall of Famer, watched from the dugout without even suiting up. The 41-year-old pitcher was left off the postseason roster, with Astros management opting for younger arms like Hunter Brown and Yusei Kikuchi instead.

Verlander had a tough 2024 season, battling injuries that limited him to just 17 starts. He logged 90.1 innings with a bloated 5.68 ERA and 1.39 WHIP, admitting to reporters that he rushed his return from a shoulder injury. The three-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champion was a notable absentee, a stark contrast to his prior postseason heroics. Despite his pedigree, Houston’s front office seems to be moving in a new direction, with General Manager Dana Brown emphasizing payroll trimming in the offseason.

Verlander, however, isn’t done just yet. Speaking to the media, he confirmed his plans to return in 2025. “I think I still have a lot more to give pitching-wise,” Verlander said. “This year was tough, but I’ve learned a lot from it.”

Though he remains optimistic, Verlander’s future with the Astros is in doubt. His contract is up, and with Houston focused on cutting costs, it’s unclear if the veteran will be re-signed. Verlander’s next destination could be crucial, and speculation is already swirling about a potential reunion with his former team, the Detroit Tigers.

Detroit presents an intriguing option. The Tigers are coming off their first postseason appearance in over a decade, built on depth and collective spirit. Verlander’s familiarity with manager AJ Hinch, his former coach in Houston, adds to the potential for a heartwarming return to the team where he began his career.

A Detroit homecoming would not only allow Verlander to mentor the Tigers’ young pitchers but also offer him a shot at one last run of success with the underdog team that defied the odds this season. If Verlander can stay healthy, a storybook ending in Detroit could be the perfect way to cap his legendary career.

As Verlander’s future hangs in the balance, MLB fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see where one of the game’s greatest pitchers ends up next.