Report: Verlander works out in front of 15-20 teams

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 19: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros pitches during an intrasquad game as they continue with Summer Workouts at Minute Maid Park on July 19, 2020 in Houston, Texas.
Bob Levey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Free-agent right-hander Justin Verlander showcased himself in front of scouts for 15-20 clubs in Florida on Monday, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Verlander touched 97 mph, Sherman reports.

The New York Yankees had scouts in attendance, per Sherman, who adds the New York Mets were also there. Another club's executive reportedly said the eight-time All-Star looked good.

The Toronto Blue Jays watched the 38-year-old as well, according to Scott Mitchell of TSN. Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers and the Detroit Tigers, the latter of whom Verlander spent 13 years with to begin his career, also had representatives present, reports Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic.

The Boston Red Sox were also in attendance, chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom confirmed.

"Age might affect the term you consider, but if the present ability is there, why wouldn't you be interested?" Bloom told Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. "We've seen it time and again: There are a lot of guys who are up there in years who can still perform at a really high level."

Verlander, who didn't pitch in 2021 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, recently received a one-year, $18.4-million qualifying offer from the Houston Astros. He's now tied to draft-pick compensation if he signs with another team.

The two-time Cy Young winner owns a 3.33 ERA with 226 wins and 3,013 strikeouts over his 16-year career.

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