Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander is no longer a free agent after agreeing to a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants. The Giants’ rumors of wanting pitchers were true, but not many anticipated Verlander being the one.
The Houston Astros stayed away from their long-time ace as they never offered him a contract. Not to forget that they did not include Verlander in their postseason rotation last year. 2024 was a disaster for Verlander, and many thought his career would be over. Yet, he’s found his way on the Giants rotation.
While Justin Verlander is ready to pitch for another year, many MLB fans believe that his age would be a letdown. Fans took to social media to express their thoughts on the Giants’ $15 million one-year contract.
Here’s a look at some fan reactions on X.
BREAKING: The Giants are signing Justin Verlander to a 1-year deal, per multiple sources pic.twitter.com/0yvmjxzSpC
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 8, 2025
Here’s a look at some fan reactions on X.
“This is where the 5+ ERA arrives,” wrote one fan.
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This is where the 5+ ERA arrives
— scott 🧦 (@FleecedByGetz) January 8, 2025
“For reals? He’s still gunna pitch??” Asked one fan.
For reals? He's still gunna pitch??
— Mike (@MikeTheDisciple) January 8, 2025
“$15M for a one-year deal for him is wild,” another fan wrote.
$15M for a one-year deal for him is wild
— Donovan Vogel (@Donnie_BROgel) January 8, 2025
“This man is washed,” one fan chimed in.
This man is washed
— red shane (@mattshane82) January 8, 2025
“Dude is 104 years old this is insane,” another fan replied.
Dude is 104 years old this is insane
— Sollozzo (@Sollozzo77) January 8, 2025
He needs to retire
— Mike (@vegaTron1983) January 8, 2025
Bro picked the wrong division to go pitch. He’s gonna get lit up
— Kevo (@KevoA91) January 8, 2025
Ewww wtf
— GRITTY TIGS (@detroitsports77) January 8, 2025
Justin Verlander In Pursuit Of Joining The 300 Win Club
Verlander is 42, and he might pitch one last year. For all we know, the Giants could be his retirement home. Yet, things could change if he has a strong season, and he could pitch for another year until he’s 45.
The two-time World Series winner is in pursuit of joining the 300-win club, which was last achieved by Randy Johnson in 2009. Verlander holds a 262-147 record and must win at least 19 games in the next two years.
It seems like a long shot for now, but it is doable if he stays healthy and returns to his previous form. Justin Verlander will also need to clear the fitness test before pitching for the Giants. MLB teams are continuing their pursuit of veteran players, including veteran slugger J.D. Martinez.
