Justin Verlander, the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer, has agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. This move places the veteran pitcher in Oracle Park, a ballpark known for being favorable to pitchers. The deal, pending a physical, signals the Giants’ ambition to improve after a disappointing 2024 season.
Decorated Career with Recent Struggles
Over his 20-year career, Verlander has established himself as one of baseball’s greatest pitchers. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, he has accumulated 262 wins, a 3.30 ERA, and 3,416 strikeouts across 3,415 innings. However, 2024 was a challenging year, with injuries limiting him to 17 starts and a stretch of poor performances, including an 8.10 ERA in his final seven games.
After a dominant 13-year run with the Detroit Tigers, Verlander revitalized his career with the Houston Astros, earning Cy Young Awards in 2019 and 2022. He later signed a lucrative contract with the New York Mets in 2023 but was traded back to the Astros that same season. Despite recent setbacks, his career remains a testament to consistency and resilience.
Fit with Giants’ Rotation
Verlander chose San Francisco partly due to Oracle Park’s favorable conditions for pitchers. He joins a rotation that includes Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Kyle Harrison, adding a seasoned arm to the mix. The Giants hope Verlander’s experience will provide stability and leadership as the team seeks to contend in the challenging National League West.
The Giants, who finished 80-82 in 2024, have made targeted offseason moves, including a major deal for shortstop Willy Adames. With Buster Posey now leading as president of baseball operations, the team aims to chart a course back to success in one of baseball’s toughest divisions.
