SAN FRANCISCO — For the first time in nearly 20 years as a professional pitcher, Justin Verlander decided against taking a break from throwing during the offseason.
He felt it was essential to keep a baseball in his grip to ensure his shoulder remained functional, as well as to maintain a consistent routine and rhythm.
“I’ve typically been someone who just sets the ball down for a few months and then picks it up again without issue,” Verlander stated on Monday. “However, at my age of 41, that approach has caught up with me. So, I made an adjustment that I believe is already showing significant benefits.”
Recently, the veteran right-hander finalized a one-year contract worth $15 million with the San Francisco Giants. He is eager to prove that he can still perform at an elite level following a challenging, injury-riddled season in 2024.
Buster Posey, the new president of baseball operations for the Giants, is confident in Verlander’s abilities and is counting on him to enhance the team’s competitiveness in the tough National League West division.
The three-time AL Cy Young Award winner expressed that he feels “miles ahead” compared to where he was a year ago, and he’s focusing on pacing himself as spring training approaches next month.
In his last season, Verlander recorded a 5-6 win-loss record with a 5.48 ERA over 17 starts with the AL West-leading Houston Astros. He began that season on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation and missed additional time from June 18 to August 21 because of neck issues.
“Last year was tough,” he admitted. “It was the worst-case scenario for me; I could never find my rhythm and pitched far below my potential. However, there were positive aspects, as I gained valuable insights. You can’t stay in this sport for long without learning from your injuries.”
As part of his contract, Verlander will receive a full no-trade clause, along with accommodations like a hotel suite during road games.
He has performance bonuses in his contract that include $200,000 for winning a second MVP award, $150,000 for a second-place finish, and $50,000 for coming in third—these bonuses apply similarly to Cy Young Award voting.
Moreover, he stands to earn $100,000 for being selected an All-Star, $150,000 for World Series MVP, and $100,000 for League Championship Series MVP.
Verlander has vivid memories of the electrifying atmosphere in San Francisco during the 2012 World Series, when the Giants defeated his Detroit Tigers in a clean sweep.
Posey, who played against Verlander during that time, played a significant role in persuading the veteran pitcher to join the Giants.
The team is not solely looking to add Verlander as a mentor for their younger pitchers; they see him as an important addition to bolster their starting rotation alongside Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.
“Justin’s history in the game is very impressive,” Posey commented. “I had the privilege of competing against him for many years and have always respected how he maintains his fitness. During our discussions a couple of weeks ago, it was extremely clear just how driven he is, and you don’t attain the greatness he has without unwavering determination and a desire to excel.”