Justin Verlander Signs One-Year Deal with San Francisco Giants
After a challenging 2024 season, Justin Verlander will seek to rejuvenate his career with the San Francisco Giants in 2025. According to reports from Moneyline, Verlander has agreed to a one-year contract with the Giants, valued at $15 million, pending a physical examination.
The veteran right-hander, who is approaching his 42nd birthday, is set to enter his 20th season in Major League Baseball. There was considerable speculation regarding Verlander's future in the league after he concluded the last season with a career-worst 5.48 ERA over 17 starts with the Houston Astros. Additionally, he faced challenges with injuries, spending significant time on the injured list during the season. Following his final home appearance on September 20, Verlander acknowledged that he may have returned too early from a neck injury that sidelined him for over two months. He expressed his determination to contribute to his team despite the difficulties he faced.
Given his inconsistent performance in the 2024 regular season, Astros manager Joe Espada chose not to include Verlander in the team's playoff rotation, a decision that suggested his time in Houston was drawing to a close. Verlander has indicated a desire to continue playing until he reaches the milestone of 300 career victories. However, at his current age and considering his recent performance, this goal appears increasingly challenging. Currently, he stands at 262 career wins. The Giants are providing Verlander with an opportunity to move closer to that milestone. If he can leverage a complete offseason to prepare for the demands of a 162-game schedule, there is potential for him to rebound from his recent struggles. If Verlander can replicate his performance from 2023, where he had a 3.22 ERA over 27 starts, the Giants could have secured one of the most valuable signings of the offseason.