With Spring Training just around the corner, the San Francisco Giants are giving fans plenty to talk about before a single pitch is thrown in 2026. Pitchers and catchers are set to report in less than a week, and the front office hasn’t exactly been quiet in the lead-up. The recent additions of outfielder Harrison Bader and infielder Luis Arráez signal that the Giants are still actively shaping this roster - and they may not be done yet.
One name floating around the rumor mill? Justin Verlander.
Yes, that Justin Verlander - the three-time Cy Young winner, future Hall of Famer, and 42-year-old righty who, despite his age, continues to defy the usual rules of pitcher aging. According to reports, the Giants could be eyeing a short-term reunion with Verlander, and there’s growing buzz that San Francisco might be the most likely landing spot if he returns for another season.
Now, let’s be clear - nothing is official, and this is still firmly in the realm of rumor. But it’s a move that would make a lot of sense for a team looking to add veteran depth and leadership to its rotation.
The Giants had previously suggested that their starting rotation was more or less set heading into the spring. But plans in baseball are rarely set in stone, especially when a pitcher of Verlander’s pedigree is potentially available on a short-term deal. He brings more than just name recognition - he brings reliability, postseason experience, and the kind of competitive fire that can elevate a clubhouse.
Despite a rough opening stretch in 2025 - which, to be fair, seemed to be driven as much by bad luck as anything else - Verlander settled in and posted a solid campaign. He finished with a 3.85 ERA and FIP over 152 innings, striking out 137 while issuing 52 walks. That’s not vintage Verlander, but it’s more than serviceable, especially for a team that could use a little extra insurance in the rotation.
Let’s not forget: over the course of a 162-game grind, even the most durable staff hits bumps in the road. Whether it’s a trip to Coors Field or a mysterious bug sweeping through the clubhouse, having an extra dependable arm - particularly one with Verlander’s track record - can be the difference between a wild card berth and watching October baseball from the couch.
The Giants have already added to their pitching depth this offseason, but in today’s game, you can never have too much. Verlander wouldn’t be asked to carry the load - he’d be a veteran complement to a staff that’s already shaping up nicely. And if he can still give you 25 starts and keep the ERA under four, that’s tremendous value on a short-term deal.
We’ll see if the chatter turns into action. But if the Giants do bring Verlander back into the fold, it wouldn’t just be a nostalgic reunion - it could be a savvy, forward-thinking move for a team looking to make noise in 2026.