Rangers' surprising rotation fit could come in the form of an old AL West rival

Sure, future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander was a key contributor for the hated Houston Astros during the peak years of the Rangers' rivalry with their in-state AL West foe, but he's also still pitching at a high level.

Would Ranger fans let bygones be bygones if Texas became a surprise landing spot for the former three-time Cy Young winner, AL MVP, nine-time all-star, and sure-fire first ballot future Hall of Famer?

It would be in the 2026 Texas Rangers' best interest to forgive and forget as the generational talent is still looking for a home to start the season.

A report is listing the Rangers as a surprise landing spot for future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander

Verlander is pulling a Nolan Ryan and defying Father Time by still being a successful pitcher even as he is set to turn 43 in February.

As such, he is still a marketable free agent who is being sought after as a back-end of the rotation hurler.

Bleacher Report is making a case that Verlander would be a good fit to join an already stout starting rotation in Arlington for the upcoming season.

Justin Verlander could be had relatively cheaply on a one-year deal at his age

The article essentially posits that Texas is as good a landing spot as any of the other potential suitors that include the San Francisco Giants, Detroit Tigers, and, of course, the Houston Astros.

Verlander is coming off a solid season in San Francisco, sporting a 3.85 ERA with 137 Ks over 29 starts and 152 innings pitched. He still has mid-90s velocity, and though his slider doesn't snap off quite like it did during his halcyon days, he compensates for that with a wealth of knowledge and guile that comes with 21 years of experience pitching at an elite level.

Verlander would likely require around $15-20 million on a one-year deal, and even though the Rangers just made the huge trade for MacKenzie Gore, having a guy like Verlander come in and push Jack Leiter for the fourth spot in the rotation would be a terrific insurance policy should deGrom or Eovaldi miss extended time, as both have a history of injury.

Adding Verlander would make the Rangers the most well-rounded and experienced rotation in the league and signify that Chris Young and company are serious heading into spring training.