Justin Verlander, a three-time Cy Young winner, found interest from various teams over the offseason, but communication with his former team, the Houston Astros, did not lead to an offer. Despite a dialogue with owner Jim Crane, Verlander learned that the team wasn't in a position to negotiate after the Giants expressed interest. Verlander initially didn't consider his last start for the Astros as potentially final. The Astros, having recently paid luxury taxes, faced payroll cuts and player departures, impacting their flexibility in the market.
Verlander continued his discussions with owner Jim Crane after the Giants expressed interest, but Crane told him the Astros weren't in a position to make an offer.
Despite mutual interest, Verlander claimed that a reunion with the Astros was never realistic, especially after being left off the postseason roster last October.
The Astros' 2024 luxury tax implications showed their willingness to spend, yet they ultimately cut payroll significantly, leading to notable player departures.
Verlander did not anticipate that his final start with the Astros last season would mark the end of his career with the team.
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