HOUSTON, TX- The Astros have extended qualifying offers to free agent shortstop Carlos Correa and free agent RHP Justin Verlander, General Manager James Click announced today.
In 148 games in 2021, Correa hit .279 with 34 doubles, 26 home runs and 92 RBI while posting an .850 OPS. He ranked second among AL shortstops in homers, RBI and third in OPS. His 2.9 Defensive WAR was tops in the Majors while his 7.2 overall WAR was third.
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Verlander, who missed the 2021 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, has posted a 43-15 record in his 74 starts since being acquired by the Astros on August 31, 2017 with a 2.45 ERA and an 0.83 WHIP. In that span, among starting pitchers, he ranks first in the AL in ERA, WHIP and opponents batting average (.183), and second in win percentage at .741 (min. 70 starts). For his career, Verlander leads all active pitchers in wins with a 226-129 record.
The deadline for clubs to extend qualifying offers to their players entering free agency is today at 4 p.m. CT. The deadline for players to accept or decline qualifying is Nov. 17. The Astros did not extend qualifying offers to any other eligible players. Players not receiving qualifying offers are now free to sign with all 30 clubs.
CONTRACT OPTION UPDATES ON GURRIEL, PRESSLY
The Astros have exercised the club option for 2022 on first baseman Yuli Gurriel. Gurriel won the American League batting title in 2021, hitting a career-high .319 in 143 games with 31 doubles, 15 home runs and 81 RBI. He also reached career highs in walks (59) and on-base-pct. (.383), the latter ranking second in the AL.
Additionally, the Astros announced that the 2022 contract option for RHP Ryan Pressly has officially been vested. Pressly had the best season of his career in 2021, serving as the Astros closer. In 64 appearances, he was 5-3 with a career-low 2.25 ERA and 26 saves in 28 chances. His 92.9% save percentage ranked second in the AL.
ROSTER MOVES
Four players that had been on the 60-day Injured List have been returned to the 40-man roster today. They are: LHP Kent Emanuel, RHP Tyler Ivey, RHP Rafael Montero and IF Freudis Nova.The Astros 40-man roster currently is at 38 players.
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