Even after making it to the World Series, the New York Yankees have a lot of offseason work to do.

First and foremost, they will seek to re-sign superstar slugger Juan Soto to a long-term contract. But with rivals like the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox all in the running for Soto as well, it’s far from a sure thing the Yankees will be able to bring him back.

The Yankees are also likely to address their infield with an external addition or two, as first baseman Anthony Rizzo and second baseman Gleyber Torres explore free agency. And the team has some questions to answer regarding its pitching staff, particularly after starter Marcus Stroman was pushed out of the rotation for the playoffs. Addressing this latter need, Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report predicted the Yankees will sign veteran starter Justin Verlander to a one-year, $15 million contract for next season.

If the Yankees can sign Verlander as projected, they’d be getting one of baseball’s most decorated stars with some significant risk. Verlander opened the 2024 season, the 19th of his career, on the injured list and never recaptured his form. In 17 starts with the Houston Astros, he was hit for a 5.48 ERA and his fastball saw a dip in velocity. But Verlander has been adamant he has “a lot more to give” and his on-field accomplishments speak for themselves.

He has won three Cy Young Awards and earned nine All-Star nods in his career. If they add Verlander on a single-year deal, the Yankees could hope he returns to the 2023 form that saw him pitch for a 3.22 ERA in 27 total starts for both the Astros and the New York Mets. If that’s the case, he’d be a valuable addition alongside Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil. The Yankees might also have interest in seeing Verlander wear pinstripes before he enters the Hall of Fame whenever his playing days are over.