Justin Verlander has signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, joining a rotation spearheaded by All-Star Logan Webb. The agreement, finalized on Saturday, marks a new chapter for the three-time AL Cy Young Award winner.
In the previous season with the Houston Astros, Verlander posted a 5-6 record and a 5.48 ERA over 17 starts. His year was disrupted by injuries, including shoulder inflammation and neck discomfort, which sidelined him at various points. Despite a difficult September with a 9.26 ERA over five starts, Verlander remains determined to continue his career.
Verlander, who turns 42 next month, expressed his commitment to pitching, stating in October, “I definitely feel like I want to continue to pitch and compete, and I’m not ready to step away yet.”
With a career record of 262-147 and a 3.30 ERA in 526 major league starts, Verlander is a seasoned veteran. He leads active MLB players in wins, strikeouts (3,416), innings pitched (3,415 2/3), starts, and complete games (26). His postseason record stands at 17-12 with a 3.58 ERA across 38 appearances.
Verlander began his career with the Detroit Tigers, winning his first Cy Young Award and the AL MVP in 2011 after a remarkable 24-5 season with a 2.40 ERA. He was traded to the Astros in 2017, where he played a crucial role in their first World Series win. During his time with Houston, he secured two more Cy Young Awards and another championship.
In December 2022, Verlander signed a two-year, $86.7 million contract with the New York Mets, where he made 16 starts before being traded back to Houston. His performance and experience will now bolster the Giants’ pitching staff.
The Giants, under new president of baseball operations Buster Posey, also made a significant move this offseason by signing shortstop Willy Adames to a seven-year, $182 million deal. To accommodate Verlander, the team designated catcher Blake Sabol for assignment.
Verlander’s addition brings a wealth of experience and a competitive edge to the Giants as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
