San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander is facing challenges as he struggles through the 2025 season, currently winless in his 13 starts. At 42 years old, the veteran right-hander has a record of 0–5 with a 4.26 ERA, having missed a month of play due to a pectoral injury. His performance sharply contrasts with previous seasons, particularly his standout 2022, where he boasted an 18–4 record and a stunning 1.75 ERA while playing for the Houston Astros.
Throughout his illustrious career, Verlander has amassed 262 wins, 3,471 strikeouts, and nine All-Star selections, along with multiple accolades, including Cy Young awards and two World Series titles. Despite his honor-filled career, this season marks a significant decline as he struggles to maintain the form that made him an elite pitcher.
While many expected him to continue building on the momentum of his successful 2022 and 2023 seasons, Verlander has instead managed just five wins over the past year and a half. His absence from the Astros’ playoff roster last season raised eyebrows and marked a turning point in perception regarding his effectiveness.
Nevertheless, Verlander remains optimistic, looking to turn around his performance before the end of the season. He noted, “I do think I’m capable of [pitching better]. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t still be playing.” Recently, he showed signs of improvement, allowing just one run over six innings in a game against the White Sox.
As the Giants push for a playoff spot, Verlander’s leadership and experience remain invaluable to the team, although his effectiveness on the mound is essential in validating his $15 million salary. The prospect of him reaching the coveted 300-win milestone seems increasingly distant, requiring an extraordinary performance over the coming years.
In light of the situation, the looming question for Verlander and the Giants is whether he can recapture his former glory in time for a late-season resurgence. Hope springs eternal in sports, and the possibility of a turnaround keeps the anticipation alive for both fans and team alike.