In a somewhat surprising turn of events this offseason, Justin Verlander, one of baseball’s most enduring stars, opted to break from tradition. For almost twenty years, the 41-year-old pitcher has enjoyed a habitual pattern of putting down the ball after the season and picking it back up months later to begin his preparation for spring training. However, following a challenging 2024 season plagued by injuries, Verlander has changed his approach. Now, he comprehends the necessity of consistency, especially as age catches up with him. The complexities of maintaining his shoulder health and keeping his pitching arm in tune have propelled him to develop a new offseason routine that involves ongoing throwing sessions.
Verlander’s admission that he can no longer afford the luxury of an extensive break signifies a critical point in his career. As a seasoned athlete who has won the prestigious Cy Young Award three times, adjusting to the physical demands of the game at an older age represents a monumental shift. “At 41, that caught up with me,” he confessed, demonstrating not just self-awareness but an understanding of the evolving physicality of sports in general.
Following the conclusion of his challenging previous season, Verlander enters a new chapter as he officially signed a one-year contract worth $15 million with the San Francisco Giants. On the surface, this might seem like just another transaction in a long career, but it holds significant weight for both Verlander and the Giants. The front office is optimistic that Verlander’s experience and prowess will reinvigorate a team looking to rise above its rivals in the competitive National League West. Buster Posey, the new head of baseball operations, is particularly vested in this signing, as he believes the veteran can still perform at an elite level and help the team regain its competitive edge.
Verlander’s recent struggles, which culminated in a disappointing record of 5-6 with an ERA of 5.48 across 17 starts for the Houston Astros, are now part of his past. He experienced setbacks due to shoulder inflammation and neck discomfort, which prevented him from achieving a consistent pitching rhythm. Reflecting on that period, he remarked on the hardships faced and stated, “Last year was difficult…you could never get in a groove.” This serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in baseball, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the ability to adapt.
The financial details of Verlander’s contract illustrate the expectations tied to his performance. Not only does he possess a full no-trade clause, but his contract is also laced with performance incentives, including potential bonuses for winning awards or being selected as an All-Star. For a rival team member, such as Posey, who has actively participated in recruiting Verlander, these expectations are more than reasonable; they are reflective of the high standards required to remain competitive in Major League Baseball.
The incentive structure also lays the groundwork for potential accomplishments—a clear motivation for Verlander as he gears up for the season. Whether it’s pursuing his second MVP award or achieving status as a top All-Star, these benchmarks reflect the mentality of a player who continues to strive for excellence, despite the ups and downs of his career.
Importantly, Verlander’s role on the Giants transcends that of a mere mentor for younger pitchers. Instead, he is expected to integrate seamlessly into the team’s starting rotation, competing alongside seasoned talents like Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. This dynamic positions Verlander not just as an experienced voice within the locker room, but as a crucial element in the team’s resurgence. Posey’s confidence in Verlander showcases a deep admiration, stating, “Justin’s track record speaks for itself.”
Verlander’s new beginning with the Giants presents an exciting narrative—a player, once regarded as untouchable, confronted with the challenge of proving that he can still be a dominant force in the league. As he embraces change and adapts his training regimen, all eyes will be on San Francisco this coming season to see if Verlander still has the magic that first captivated baseball fans over two decades ago.