Veteran right-hander Justin Verlander has signed a one-year contract worth $15 million with the San Francisco Giants, marking the beginning of his 20th season in Major League Baseball at the age of 42. Verlander’s move to the Giants represents a significant opportunity as he continues his illustrious career in a venue known for favoring pitchers.
Regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, Verlander leads all active players in innings pitched, strikeouts, and wins. Despite struggling last season, where injuries limited him to just 17 starts and he finished with an ERA of 8.10 in his final seven outings, the three-time Cy Young Award winner is looking to bounce back with the Giants, who are also eager for an improved season following a challenging 2024.
Verlander previously thrived with the Detroit Tigers for 13 years and rejuvenated his career with the Houston Astros starting in 2017, securing Cy Young Awards in both 2019 and 2022. After a brief tenure with the New York Mets, where he was traded back to the Astros in August, Verlander has now set his sights on contributing to the Giants’ pitching rotation alongside notable arms like Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Kyle Harrison.
The Giants, having finished fourth in the competitive National League West with an 80-82 record last season, have been active in the offseason. A month ago, they bolstered their roster by signing shortstop Willy Adames to a seven-year deal worth $182 million. With former All-Star catcher Buster Posey now serving as president of baseball operations, the Giants are building a competitive team aimed at returning to playoff contention.
Verlander’s arrival provides the Giants with a wealth of experience and a chance to reclaim his elite form, which could be instrumental in enhancing their overall performance in the upcoming season.
In summary, Verlander’s new contract with the Giants not only adds depth and experience to the rotation but also represents a fresh chapter for both the player and the franchise as they aim for greater success in 2025. This partnership shows promise, not just for Verlander’s legacy but also for the Giants’ efforts to reinvigorate their competitiveness in the league.