Justin Verlander Signs with the Giants for 20th MLB Season
Justin Verlander will play his 20th MLB season with the San Francisco Giants. (Steph Chambers via Getty Images)
The San Francisco Giants have finalized a one-year contract worth $15 million with veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, as reported by ESPN. This agreement marks a notable chapter in Verlander’s illustrious career as he prepares for his 20th season in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Transitioning to the National League
At nearly 42 years of age, Verlander is set to return to the National League after a short stint with the New York Mets during the previous season. This deal comes as a strategic move for the Giants, who are looking to bolster their pitching staff.
A Stellar Career
Justin Verlander’s career is filled with accolades, establishing him as one of the leading pitchers of his generation. His honors include:
- Nine-time All-Star selection
- Three-time Cy Young Award winner
- AL MVP award in 2011
Verlander’s Cy Young victories were achieved in 2011 with the Detroit Tigers, and later in 2019 and 2022 with the Houston Astros. He played a vital role in Houston’s success during their World Series championships in 2017 and 2022.
Recent Performance and Challenges
In his last full season (2024), Verlander faced significant struggles, posting a 5.48 ERA over 90⅓ innings, which reflects a decline from his past performances. Notably, he also recorded a career-low strikeout rate. Despite this, Verlander has expressed a strong desire to continue pitching until he reaches 45, indicating his determination to improve and regain form.
Joining the Giants’ Pitching Staff
As he joins the Giants, Verlander will complement a pitching rotation led by Logan Webb, a 2024 All-Star. However, the Giants recently lost two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency, amplifying the importance of Verlander’s experience and skill to the team.
The Giants are optimistic that Verlander can recapture some of his past glory and contribute positively to their goals for the upcoming season as they aim to be competitive in the league.
