Three legendary pitchers, Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander, find themselves in the unusual position of free agents as spring training looms just weeks away. Each boasts a trio of Cy Young Awards, a testament to their past dominance, but their advanced age and recent injury histories present significant risks for potential suitors. While their illustrious careers make them attractive options for contending teams, their market value remains uncertain, with age and health concerns likely to temper contract offers. This unique situation presents a fascinating intersection of legacy, ambition, and the inevitable realities of aging in a demanding sport.
Justin Verlander, at 42, is the eldest of the group and chases the elusive 300-win milestone. Despite leading the league in wins (262), achieving this feat would require an improbable average of 19 victories over the next two seasons. His 2024 season, marred by shoulder and neck injuries, saw him post a concerning 5.48 ERA in limited innings, raising questions about his durability. Both Scherzer and Kershaw also faced injury-plagued seasons, with each pitching fewer than 50 innings. Scherzer, now past 40, finished with a 3.95 ERA in nine starts for the Texas Rangers, while Kershaw, at 37, recorded a 4.50 ERA in just seven starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Financial considerations will be a critical factor in determining their next destinations. While both Scherzer and Verlander previously commanded hefty $43.4 million annual salaries, those figures are likely unattainable this time around. The recent one-year, $15 million contract signed by 41-year-old Charlie Morton with the Baltimore Orioles offers a potential benchmark, suggesting that age doesn’t necessarily preclude a respectable salary. However, the length of contract will be a key negotiating point. One-year deals with club options for a second season might be the most palatable structure for both players and teams, mitigating risk while allowing for flexibility.
Despite their age and injury concerns, each pitcher possesses a Hall of Fame-worthy resume. Verlander boasts a 262-147 career record, a 3.30 ERA, and three Cy Young Awards, complemented by three second-place finishes. Scherzer, with a 216-112 record and a 3.16 ERA, has also secured three Cy Young Awards. Kershaw, despite being the youngest of the three, has amassed a remarkable 212-97 record, a sparkling 2.50 ERA, and three Cy Young Awards of his own. These accomplishments ensure that, despite their declining years, they remain compelling options for teams seeking veteran leadership and potential post-season experience.
Several teams are reportedly interested in the services of these veteran pitchers. Verlander, rumored to be coveted by the Baltimore Orioles, hails from Virginia and could potentially return to the Washington Nationals, where he contributed to their 2019 World Series victory. Scherzer, a St. Louis native, might consider the Cardinals, though their recent focus on payroll reduction could pose an obstacle. The Kansas City Royals, while likely further from contention, could also be a dark horse candidate. Kershaw, a Texan, might draw interest from the Rangers or Astros, particularly if the Dodgers don’t offer a competitive contract.
The landscape of potential landing spots also reflects a broader trend in baseball: the increasing acceptance of six-man rotations. This strategy, designed to manage workloads and mitigate injury risks, could make these veteran pitchers even more attractive to teams willing to experiment with non-traditional roster construction. Furthermore, the star power of these pitchers could translate into increased ticket sales, a factor that can’t be ignored by teams looking to boost revenue. The combination of pitching acumen and name recognition creates a compelling argument for their inclusion on a roster, even in reduced roles.
Ultimately, the final destinations of Kershaw, Scherzer, and Verlander will depend on a complex interplay of factors. Financial considerations, geographic preferences, team needs, and the players’ own assessments of their remaining capabilities will all play a role. While their days of Cy Young contention are likely behind them, their experience, leadership, and residual talent could still prove valuable to the right team. As spring training approaches, the baseball world watches with anticipation to see where these three legendary pitchers will continue their storied careers.
