Future Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander has reportedly signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants worth $15 million.
Verlander, who turns 42 next month, had his worst MLB campaign in 2024. In 17 starts, Verlander went 5-6 with a career worst 5.48 ERA. He did strikeout 74 batters against only 27 walks in 90.1 innings pitched. It should be noted that Verlander missed much of last season with shoulder and neck injuries.
Was last season a blip and he is healthy again? Or is Verlander's age catching up with him as it catches up with all players? After all, this will be Verlander's 20th season pitching in MLB.
The Giants are counting on the former for Verlander who enters 2025 with a career record of 262-147 with a 3.30 ERA. Verlander boasts impeccable control with 3416 strikeouts against only 952 walks. Those 3416 strikeouts place him in 10th place on MLB's all-time strikeout list just 9 ahead of his onetime Detroit Tigers and New York Mets teammate Max Scherzer who now toils with the Texas Rangers.
While Verlander is only three years removed from his last Cy Young campaign, I don't think the Giants are realistically expecting him to win his fourth career Cy Young. But I think the Giants would be happy with 10 wins, 150 strikeouts and passing on his experience and wisdom to younger pitchers especially if it gets them back into the post-season.
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