It’s not every day you get to talk about a legend of Major League Baseball embarking on yet another chapter in an already storied career.
But here we are, diving into Justin Verlander’s newest adventure—a one-year, $15 million deal with the San Francisco Giants as he prepares for his 20th Major League season.
Justin Verlander: A Legend with Something Left to Prove
Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, future Hall of Famer, and proud owner of a career that most pitchers would trade their right arm for (figuratively speaking) isn’t just coasting into his golden years.
Oh no, this man still has something to prove. “Proving that I still have it,” he said with that unmistakable Verlander determination during his introductory Zoom call.
He made it clear: the accolades are there, the hardware is on the shelf, but the fire? That’s still blazing.
From Setbacks to Comebacks: A New Approach to Pitching
Despite coming off a tough 2024 season with a career-worst 5.48 ERA, Verlander’s resolve seems stronger than ever. At almost 42 years old, he’s still looking to turn back the clock and show everyone he’s got gas left in the tank.
But what’s fascinating about Verlander’s approach this offseason is how he’s adjusted to his age and previous injuries. For the first time in his career, he didn’t shut things down after the season.
Instead, he kept throwing and grinding, hoping to build more durability and avoid the shoulder setbacks that hindered him last year. The result? He’s already hitting 92 mph on the radar gun and says he’s “miles ahead” of where he was at this time last year.
That’s music to the ears of Giants fans who are eager to see him slot in behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray in the rotation.
Mentor Mode: Guiding the Giants’ Next Generation
Oh, and let’s not forget—this isn’t just about Verlander rediscovering his dominance on the mound. He’s stepping into a role that’s just as critical, being a mentor.
With promising young arms like Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, Hayden Birdsong, and Landen Roupp in camp, Verlander’s presence is a goldmine of wisdom for the next generation. He’s embraced this part of his journey, saying it’s “really cool” to watch young players with high ceilings and help guide them.
Then there’s the number, number 35 has been synonymous with Verlander’s career, but that’s Brandon Crawford’s legacy in San Francisco. Though Crawford has given his blessing for Verlander to take the number, Verlander’s approach here is nothing short of classy.
Why Verlander Wants to Pitch Another Season
He wants to feel the fans, respect the legacy, and ensure he starts off on the right foot. You’ve got to appreciate the thoughtfulness behind that decision. It’s not just about the stats or the milestones, it’s about respect for the game and the players who’ve come before.
This partnership between Verlander and the Giants feels like one of those rare win-wins. The Giants get a living legend who could still spin some magic on the mound, and he gets a shot at redemption, proving that greatness doesn’t have an expiration date.
