Joining a rotation led by All-Star Logan Webb, Justin Verlander has agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. The three-time AL Cy Young Award winner will embark on a new chapter with the agreement, which was finalized on Saturday.
Verlander had a 5-6 record and a 5.48 ERA in 17 starts during his last season with the Houston Astros. He was sidelined at several times during the year due to ailments, such as neck pain and shoulder irritation. Verlander is adamant about pursuing his career despite a challenging September in which he pitched five starts with a 9.26 ERA.
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.
Leave a Reply