After nearly two decades as a dominant force in Major League Baseball (MLB), Justin Verlander made a groundbreaking decision this offseason: he wouldn’t take a break from throwing. This departure from his long-standing tradition was not merely a whim; it stemmed from a recognition that age was catching up with him. At 41 years old, he found that allowing his shoulder to idle for months on end no longer worked as it once did. Instead of returning to form after a short reprieve, Verlander realized he needed to keep a baseball in his hands consistently to ensure his shoulder remained responsive. „I’ve always been somebody who sets down the ball and doesn’t pick it up again for a few months,“ he elaborated, expressing the stakes involved in adapting to the physical demands of an aging athlete. This particular adjustment is one that he believes is already yielding positive results.
Verlander recently finalized a lucrative one-year, $15 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. With this move, he enters a new chapter in his storied career, one that comes on the heels of a difficult 2024 season marred by injuries. Both Verlander and the Giants’ newly appointed president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, are optimistic about the potential for a fruitful partnership. The organization is hoping Verlander can re-establish himself as a premier pitcher, contributing significant value to a competitive National League West landscape. Despite the injuries that plagued his previous season, Verlander is bullish about his progress, stating, „I’m miles ahead of where I was last year at this time.“ His disciplined offseason throwing regimen sets the stage for a more productive spring training.
The 2024 season was not kind to Verlander. His performance was punctuated by an array of setbacks that kept him both on and off the field, resulting in a dismal 5-6 win-loss record and a 5.48 ERA in 17 starts. Shoulder inflammation initially sidelined him, followed by neck discomfort that interrupted his progress further down the line. Reflecting on this challenging year, he stated, „Last year was difficult… it was worst-case for me.“ Yet, in the midst of this adversity, he found classroom-like lessons in injury, illustrating a growth mindset that champions the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks. As Verlander seeks to bounce back, his focus remains on moderation, careful not to overexert himself before the more rigorous demands of the season commence.
Verlander’s contract contains notable financial incentives that underscore the organization’s expectations. He’ll have a full no-trade provision and can earn significant bonuses based on his performance and accolades, such as $200,000 for receiving his second MVP award or $100,000 for an All-Star selection. These incentives reflect a commitment not only to financial reward but also highlight the Giants’ faith in Verlander’s ability to contribute substantially to the team’s success. These bonuses serve as both a motivator for Verlander and a testament to the Giants‘ belief that he can still reach the heights that characterized his earlier career.
In reflecting on his career, Verlander conjures memories of the electric atmosphere during the 2012 World Series, which saw the Giants sweep his Detroit Tigers. It is this kind of competitive spirit that Posey and the Giants are eager to channel as they integrate Verlander into their framework. Importantly, the organization views him not just as a figurehead or mentor for younger pitchers but as a crucial asset alongside established stars like Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. Posey’s admiration for Verlander’s discipline and work ethic highlights the foundation for a partnership grounded in mutual respect and a shared goal: returning the Giants to playoff contention.
As Justin Verlander gears up for the 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants, he stands at a pivotal point in his illustrious career. Through adaptation and resilience, he aims to reclaim his status among elite pitchers in the league. While injuries and the passage of time present undeniable challenges, Verlander’s unwavering commitment to improvement and his renewed offseason regimen offer a promising glimpse into what lies ahead. With the support of the Giants‘ organization and a determination to defy the odds, Verlander’s upcoming season could be a testimony to the indomitable spirit of a seasoned athlete unwilling to bow out quietly.
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