Justin Verlander Signs Deal with Giants for 20th Season – Report
Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, known for his remarkable baseball prowess, has officially inked a one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants for the upcoming 2025 season. According to ESPN, the agreement is valued at $15 million, pending the successful completion of a physical examination.
Verlander, a seasoned veteran who will celebrate his 42nd birthday in February, is set to embark on his impressive 20th season in Major League Baseball. This seasoned pitcher faced challenges during the 2024 season with the Houston Astros due to injuries, culminating in a less-than-ideal 5.48 ERA in 17 starts and 90 1/3 innings.
Verlander’s Recent Performance and Legacy
Despite potential concerns about his age, Verlander has demonstrated a consistent track record of success in recent years. In 2023, he achieved a commendable 3.22 ERA in 27 combined starts with the New York Mets and the Astros. The previous year, Verlander clinched his third American League Cy Young Award, boasting an outstanding 1.75 ERA and an 18-4 record for Houston. Over the span of three seasons, Verlander maintains an impressive 129 ERA+ and a 3.49 FIP in 427 2/3 innings.
Expectations for the 2025 Season
As Verlander gears up for the 2025 season, he brings an impressive resume with 262 career wins, a remarkable WAR of 81.0, and is closing in on 3,500 career strikeouts, a milestone only achieved by nine other MLB pitchers. With eight All-Star selections and three Cy Young Awards under his belt, Verlander is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of his era.
Verlander’s Impact on the Giants
Joining the Giants, Verlander will play a pivotal role in fortifying the team’s pitching rotation alongside Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. As the Giants aim to bounce back from consecutive losing seasons and a playoff drought, Verlander’s experience and skill set will be invaluable in leading the team to success.
In a strategic move, the Giants have secured two significant offseason acquisitions, including Verlander and shortstop Willy Adames, highlighting their commitment to strengthening the team for the upcoming season. Verlander’s addition to the Giants marks his fourth MLB team and third in as many years, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in the competitive world of professional baseball.
As Verlander embarks on this new chapter with the Giants, baseball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing the legendary pitcher leave his mark on the field once again, shaping the course of the 2025 MLB season.