JV leaving?

Astros ace Justin Verlander's free agency leaves his return to Houston up in the air

Justin Verlander Houston Astros World Series downtown parade 2022

Justin Verlander could be a free agent soon.

Photo by Marco Torres/@MarcoFromHouston

News dropped early on Thursday, November 10 that Astros ace Justin Verlander has exercised his player option and is now a free agent.

The first initial thought is to assume he's considering all offers and might be on his way out of Houston, but that's not necessarily the case. Less than an hour after Verlander declined the Astros' 1-year qualifying offer last year, he agreed to a new deal with Houston.

Astros owner Jim Crane mentioned on Wednesday, November 9 that the team had until 4 pm Thursday to negotiate with Verlander exclusively, which is still the case. But seeing the news first thing in the morning makes fans wonder if we're past the point of him agreeing to a deal before talking with other teams.

In Verlander's World Series media session, he spoke about being a free agent last year, and how that was a "cool new experience" for him. He also mentioned that the typical free agency experience, where players get “wined and dined” by teams, didn't play out last year because of COVID restrictions.

It also had to feel different for JV because he was a free agent coming back from Tommy John surgery who hadn't pitched in a game in almost two years.

Verlander may just want to enjoy the experience of being a free agent and bring all his offers to Jim Crane as a negotiation tactic. Crane, though, is more of a take-it-or-leave-it negotiator — just ask Carlos Correa.

It's entirely possible JV extends as early as Thursday. Or, he could go for all the money in free agency. Verlander probably doesn't know yet. Crane will likely let him walk if he wants top-of-the-market money.

Let's just hope JV is being thorough, listening to all the offers, enjoying a bunch of teams courting him, and ends up signing back with Houston.

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This story originally ran on our sister site SportsMap.

chill out

Houston Astros ballpark gets cool new name for the next 15 years

Courtesy of the Houston Astros

The Astros' stadium will have a new name in 2025.

The Houston Astros are about to have the coolest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The team announced on Monday, November 18 that its has reached a naming rights agreement HVAC manufacturer Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the stadium will be known as Daikin Park (die-kin). Scheduled to run through the 2039 season, the new name replaces Minute Maid Park, which has been the stadium’s name since 2002. It opened in 1999 as Enron Field.

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Astros fans online are already calling the new stadium “The Ice Box,” replacing its informal “The Juice Box” moniker. That name feels likely to stick.

Japan-based Daikin Industries is a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems. It sells air conditioning units and other products under brand names such as Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex. Critically, it operates Daikin Texas Technology Park in nearby Waller, which is the largest HVAC manufacturing facility in North America. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in Greater Houston, according to a release.

“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” Astros owner Jim said. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”

The Astros will use the revenue for new stadium amenities and other upgrades. It will also continue the team’s various community initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Houston Chronicle notes that naming rights deals may be worth anywhere from $3.5 million per year (T-Mobile park in Seattle) to $11 million per year for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.

The team’s first game in Daikin Park will take place on Monday, March 24, which it plays an exhibition against its Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. It will open the regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the New York Mets.

“Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” Astros senior vice president Matt Brand added. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come.”

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