In the world of baseball, legends are made and broken by the numbers. And Justin Verlander, a future Hall of Famer, is no exception. But did his 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants prove he's still got the magic? Let's dive in.
Verlander's 2025 stats are impressive: 29 games started, 152 innings pitched, and a 3.85 ERA. But here's where it gets interesting: he's one of only 48 pitchers in MLB history to throw over 150 innings at the ripe age of 42. And if we're being specific, he's the 17th pitcher this century to do so, joining an elite group of right-handed pitchers.
The list includes Roger Clemens, Bartolo Colon (twice), Greg Maddux, and a few others. But take away the PEDs, knuckleballs, and the enigmatic Colon, and Verlander's achievement shines brighter. It's a testament to his longevity in a sport where the competition gets tougher every year.
Initially, his signing with the Giants felt like a farewell tour, reminiscent of Randy Johnson's final seasons. But Verlander defied expectations, becoming the sixth-most valuable pitcher in baseball over his final 13 starts, with a 2.60 ERA in 72.2 innings. However, the Giants' bullpen and offense struggled, resulting in a 6-7 record during this period.
For a pitcher aiming for 300 career wins, the Giants' struggles may have hindered his goal. Verlander now sits at 266-158 in 555 career starts, and one can't help but wonder if a stronger team could have pushed him closer to that milestone. The Giants' issues cost him wins, and his first win in a Giants uniform didn't come until late July.
Despite initial skepticism, Verlander's impact on the team was undeniable. His performance improved significantly after a pivotal moment, as evidenced by his ERA dropping from 4.84 to 2.99. According to Statcast, his new pitch, the sweeper, was incredibly valuable, ranking in the Top 10 in the league. His other pitches remained effective, ensuring he's still a force to be reckoned with.
Verlander gave it his all, but the Giants couldn't capitalize. And that's the part most people miss—the impact of team dynamics on individual achievements. Was Verlander's signing a success or a missed opportunity? It's a controversial question, and we'd love to hear your take in the comments.
