Jan 12, 2025, 4:50 AM
Jan 7, 2025, 4:43 PM

Justin Verlander and San Francisco Giants finalize $15 million, 1-year contract

Highlights
  • Justin Verlander has signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the San Francisco Giants.
  • The Oakland native had a challenging previous season with the Astros due to injuries and performance issues.
  • This acquisition aims to strengthen the Giants' rotation as they compete in the tough NL West division.
Story

In the United States, on Saturday, January 12, 2025, Justin Verlander, a three-time American League Cy Young Award winner, finalized a significant one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants valued at $15 million. This signing occurs as Verlander, who is entering his 20th season in Major League Baseball, seeks to revitalize his career at the age of 42 after a challenging 2024 season with the Houston Astros, marked by injuries and a lackluster performance resulting in a 5-6 record and a 5.48 ERA over 17 starts. Verlander was notably absent from the Astros' postseason roster, putting pressure on him to demonstrate his resilience and competitive spirit in San Francisco. Throughout his illustrious career, Verlander has established himself as one of baseball's elite pitchers, achieving a remarkable 262-147 win-loss record with a career ERA of 3.30 across 526 starts. He leads all active players in key statistical categories, including strikeouts and innings pitched. While the recent past has seen him struggle with injuries, including shoulder inflammation and neck discomfort, experts are optimistic about his potential to rebound and contribute significantly to the Giants' rotation, particularly in light of a projected lineup that includes All-Star Logan Webb. The Giants, who have been competing in a challenging National League West division, are looking to strengthen their pitching staff after losing Blake Snell to the rival Los Angeles Dodgers and missing out on Corbin Burnes, who signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The historic significance of Verlander's signing lies in the fact that it comes during a transitional phase for the Giants' leadership, as they work to bolster their lineup and remain competitive against formidable opponents. The team also recently secured shortstop Willy Adames with a sizable contract as part of their offseason strategy. As Verlander joins the Giants, his immediate focus will be on overcoming the challenges from the previous season and proving he commands the mound once more. Many fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can recapture his past form and continue to add to his impressive Hall of Fame résumé, which includes multiple All-Star selections, World Series victories, and awards garnered over a two-decade career adorned with greatness. The Giants aim to leverage Verlander's experience and skills to bolster their chances of success as the new season approaches.

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