Introduction

As teams start gearing up for the 2026 MLB season, one player likely drawing interest for his pitching capabilities is veteran right-hander Justin Verlander. After a tumultuous start to the 2025 season, Verlander showcased impressive resilience and skill with the San Francisco Giants, which has positioned him as a potential under-the-radar option in the upcoming free agent market.

Verlander's 2025 Journey

Justin Verlander signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the San Francisco Giants in January 2025, joining the team with high expectations following a decorated career. However, the road was not smooth for the future Hall of Famer. Verlander's early struggles culminated in a disheartening performance against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 18, where he surrendered four runs on nine hits in just 2.2 innings, leading to an ERA of 4.99 at that time.

Contributing to his uneven performance was a month-long absence due to a pectoral injury, which hampered his ability to maintain consistency. By mid-July, the numbers were concerning: with 92 hits allowed and 67 strikeouts in 79.1 innings, many analysts began to question whether Verlander's days of effectiveness on the mound were behind him.

Late-Season Resurgence

Despite the early-season struggles, Verlander demonstrated remarkable fortitude over his final 13 starts of the 2025 season. During this stretch, he posted a stellar 2.60 ERA, allowing only 63 hits while striking out 70 batters across 72.2 innings. This resurgence put Verlander among the elite in the National League, as he ranked eighth in WAR (Wins Above Replacement) for pitchers with a 1.6 WAR during this period.

Statistically, the only pitchers in the National League who outperformed Verlander in ERA after July 18 were Paul Skenes, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Cristopher Sánchez, and Nick Pivetta. Such a solid finish may have rekindled the hope in teams searching for pitching depth ahead of the 2026 season.

Future Aspirations and Challenges

As Verlander approaches his 43rd birthday on February 20, the quest for 300 career victories remains a significant milestone. Currently sitting at 266 wins, he has managed only nine total victories over the past two seasons, bringing his goal into sharper focus. While it is challenging to envision him reaching this illustrious mark, his late-season performance suggests that he still possesses the ability to be an effective pitcher, particularly for a contending team in need of rotation depth.

Verlander's experience and skill set could make him an attractive option for clubs looking to bolster their starting rotation without committing long-term. His recent success illustrates his potential to make meaningful contributions during a playoff push, despite uncertainties surrounding his age and historical performance trends.

Implications for Free Agency

As the free agency period looms, general managers and scouting departments across Major League Baseball will certainly take note of Verlander's late-season form. Traditionally, teams tend to favor younger talent, but exceptional performers like Verlander can provide invaluable mentorship and stability to a rotation. His playoff experience and vast knowledge of the game could enhance team dynamics, especially for those squads on the cusp of championship contention.

Conclusion

Justin Verlander's journey from uncertainty to resurgence in the second half of the 2025 season places him back into the spotlight as the 2026 MLB season approaches. Teams seeking rotation depth will keenly observe the veteran's trajectory as he becomes a potentially underrated asset in the free-agent market. With his eye still set on 300 career wins, Verlander remains a name to watch in the coming months, as the baseball world reflects on his storied career while speculating about his future contributions on the mound.