Justin Verlander isn’t done yet.
At 42 years old-soon to be 43-the three-time Cy Young winner and nine-time All-Star is still lacing up his cleats with the intent to take the mound again. He may be the oldest active pitcher in Major League Baseball, but don’t mistake age for surrender. Verlander wants one more shot.
Last year, the San Francisco Giants gave him that chance, signing him to a one-year deal. It was a bet on experience, pedigree, and the hope that the future Hall of Famer had a little more gas left in the tank.
But the results were mixed. Verlander finished the season with a 4-11 record and a 3.85 ERA-numbers that reflect the grind of a long season and a pitcher battling more than just opposing lineups.
Still, Verlander isn’t backing down. Despite the tough season, he’s made it clear he’s not ready to call it a career. And while it’s unlikely the Giants will bring him back for another run, the door isn’t completely closed around the league.
Here’s the thing-Verlander’s resume still carries weight. He leads all active pitchers with 266 career wins, and while 300 might be a long shot at this point, that number is still within the realm of possibility.
He’s not chasing stats, though. He’s chasing the game.
The same fire that fueled his dominant run with the Houston Astros is still burning, even if the velocity and durability aren’t quite what they used to be.
So where could Verlander land?
The Baltimore Orioles have surfaced in recent rumors, and while there’s no indication they’re making a hard push, there’s interest. Baltimore has already made its biggest offseason splash by landing Pete Alonso, but beyond that, the Orioles have been relatively quiet, picking up a few minor league free agents. If they want to make a deeper run in the AL East, adding a veteran presence like Verlander could be a smart move-not just for what he brings on the mound, but for the leadership and playoff experience he offers in the clubhouse.
For Verlander, it’s not about locking in a multi-year deal or chasing a massive payday. At this point in his career, he knows what he is: a short-term option with the potential for high reward.
Teams likely won’t offer more than a one-year deal, and that’s fine by him. He just wants the ball.
And if a team gives him that shot-just one more time-don’t be surprised if Verlander finds a way to remind us all why he’s one of the best to ever do it.