Justin Verlander isn’t done yet - not by a long shot. At 42 years old and on the cusp of turning 43, the future Hall of Famer is still chasing the thrill of the mound, still chasing history. And while the wear and tear of a long career has started to show, Verlander’s fire hasn’t faded.
Last season, the nine-time All-Star signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants, eager to prove he still had something left in the tank. The Giants took a calculated gamble on the veteran right-hander, banking on his experience and competitive edge.
But the results were mixed. Verlander finished with a 4-11 record and a 3.85 ERA - numbers that don’t jump off the page, but also don’t tell the full story.
Yes, the win-loss record was rough, but that ERA suggests he was far from washed. He battled.
He competed. And in stretches, he still looked like the guy who once dominated the American League with overpowering fastballs and surgical command.
But it’s clear: this isn’t peak Verlander. This is a version molded by years of innings, injuries, and adjustments.
Now, as the offseason winds down, Verlander finds himself in a familiar position - waiting. The Giants haven’t signaled any interest in a reunion, and across the league, only a few teams seem willing to roll the dice on a pitcher in his 40s, even one with 266 career wins to his name - the most among active players.
That number, 266, carries weight. It puts Verlander within striking distance of the elusive 300-win club - a milestone that’s become nearly impossible in today’s game of pitch counts, bullpen dominance, and shortened outings. But if anyone’s stubborn enough to chase it, it’s Verlander.
One team that’s been loosely connected to the veteran is the Baltimore Orioles. While they’ve been relatively quiet this offseason outside of landing Pete Alonso, there’s a sense that they could use another veteran presence to round out their rotation.
Verlander fits that mold. He’s not the ace he once was, but his leadership, postseason pedigree, and ability to grind through innings could be invaluable to a young Orioles staff looking to take the next step in the AL East.
At this point, Baltimore isn’t aggressively pursuing him, but they’re not closing the door either. Verlander, for his part, seems ready to jump at any opportunity that comes his way.
He knows the reality: no team is handing him a multi-year deal. But give him one more year - one more shot - and he’ll take it.
Justin Verlander isn’t just playing for a contract. He’s playing for legacy.
For the chance to walk away on his own terms. For one more season to remind us why he was one of the game’s most dominant arms for nearly two decades.
And until a team gives him that chance, he’ll be waiting - glove in hand, ready to go.