Justin Verlander is headed to San Francisco, and, honestly, who saw this coming? The future Hall of Famer just inked a one-year, $15 million deal with the Giants, setting up what could be one of the most fascinating storylines of the upcoming MLB season. At 41 years old, Verlander is stepping into his 20th season, proving once again that age is just a number—especially when you’re Justin Verlander.
The Man, The Myth, The Ace
Let’s take a moment to appreciate just how remarkable Verlander’s career has been. The guy’s résumé reads like a baseball bucket list: three Cy Young Awards, a 2011 MVP, two World Series rings, and more strikeouts (3,416) than most pitchers even dream about. And let’s not forget he leads all active players in innings pitched and career wins. When you think about sustained dominance, you think about Verlander.
But last season, the 2024 campaign, threw him a curveball. Plagued by right shoulder inflammation and neck issues, Verlander only made 17 starts, posting a 5.48 ERA over 90 1/3 innings. It was, by his standards, a tough year. Yet here we are, talking about him as one of the most significant signings of the offseason. Why? Because if anyone can bounce back, it’s JV.
Why the Giants?
The San Francisco Giants are betting big on Verlander to anchor their rotation—and it’s not hard to see why. They lost Blake Snell to their rivals, the Dodgers, and needed to make a splash. Verlander isn’t just a pitcher; he’s a leader. Joining a rotation with Logan Webb and Robbie Ray, he brings a wealth of experience to a team looking to compete in a tough NL West.
Newly minted Giants President of Baseball Operations, Buster Posey, is clearly playing chess, not checkers. Signing Verlander sends a message: the Giants aren’t rebuilding; they’re reloading.
What’s in It for Verlander?
At this stage in his career, Verlander’s decision wasn’t just about money—it’s about legacy and finding the right fit. During a recent interview, he said, “I feel like I have a lot more to give pitching-wise. This year was a tough year, but I learned a lot from it.”
San Francisco offers him the chance to bounce back on a team that values his expertise. Plus, pitching in Oracle Park, a notoriously pitcher-friendly stadium, could work wonders for a guy coming off an injury-plagued year.
What Can Giants Fans Expect?
This isn’t just about what Verlander does on the mound. Sure, he’ll give you competitive starts and likely eat some innings, but his value goes beyond the stats. He’s the type of veteran presence that elevates an entire clubhouse. Younger pitchers will be soaking up his knowledge like a sponge, and his championship pedigree will set the tone for the team.
And let’s be real—there’s going to be some magic in seeing Verlander toe the rubber in a Giants uniform. Whether it’s mowing down batters or tipping his cap to the crowd after another vintage performance, this is must-watch baseball.
High Risk, High Reward
Signing a 41-year-old pitcher with recent injury issues isn’t without its risks, but for $15 million, the potential upside is worth it. If Verlander can return to anything close to his Cy Young form, this deal will look like a steal. And even if he doesn’t, the Giants are banking on his leadership to pay dividends.
A New Chapter for a Living Legend
As Verlander embarks on his 20th season, one thing’s clear: he’s not done yet. The Giants are giving him the stage, and you can bet he’s going to make the most of it.
For baseball fans, this is the kind of move that keeps things interesting. Whether you’re rooting for the Giants or just following Verlander’s incredible journey, this season promises to be one for the books.
So here’s to Justin Verlander: still defying Father Time, still making headlines, and still showing us all why he’s one of the best to ever do it. Let’s play ball.
