The San Francisco Giants have been one of the biggest surprises to start the 2025 MLB season. The Giants made several moves this offseason, though, including signing starting pitcher Justin Verlander and shortstop Willy Adames.

At that point, however, Verlander says Crane told him that the Astros were not “even in a place to make an offer.” To some, this might not come as much of a surprise. After all, one could argue that the writing was on the wall for Verlander in Houston as soon as the Astros left him off their postseason roster last October.