3-Time Cy Young Winner Justin Verlander Signs with San Francisco Giants on 1-Year Contract

Introduction

Justin Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. The move marks a significant addition to the Giants’ pitching staff and could have a major impact on the team’s fortunes in 2023. However, the signing also raises questions about Verlander’s health and age, as well as the Giants’ long-term plans.

Verlander’s Impressive Career

Verlander is one of the most successful pitchers of his generation. He has won three Cy Young Awards, two ERA titles, and a World Series Championship. He has also been named to eight All-Star teams and has over 2,500 strikeouts in his career.

In 2022, Verlander returned from Tommy John surgery to pitch for the Houston Astros. He made 28 starts and finished with a 18-4 record, a 1.75 ERA, and 185 strikeouts. He was dominant throughout the season and was a key factor in the Astros’ run to the World Series.

Giants’ Rotation Gets a Boost

The Giants’ rotation has been a question mark in recent years. The team has not had a reliable ace since Madison Bumgarner left after the 2019 season. Verlander’s arrival gives the Giants a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter who can provide innings and strikeouts.

Verlander’s presence should also help the Giants’ other starters. Logan Webb and Alex Wood are both solid pitchers, but they are not at Verlander’s level. With Verlander in the rotation, Webb and Wood can pitch in less stressful roles and focus on getting outs.

Questions About Verlander’s Health and Age

While Verlander’s signing is a major positive for the Giants, there are some concerns about his health and age. Verlander is 39 years old and has had a history of injuries. He missed the entire 2020 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Verlander’s velocity has also declined in recent years. In 2022, his average fastball velocity was 94.2 mph, down from 97.3 mph in 2019. This decline is not surprising for a pitcher of Verlander’s age, but it is something to monitor going forward.

Giants’ Long-Term Plans

The Giants’ signing of Verlander is a short-term move. The one-year contract gives the Giants some flexibility in the future. If Verlander performs well in 2023, the Giants could re-sign him to a multi-year contract.

However, if Verlander struggles or gets injured, the Giants could let him go after the season. This would give the Giants some financial flexibility in 2024 and allow them to pursue other pitching options.

Broader Implications

The signing of Justin Verlander by the San Francisco Giants is a significant move that has implications for both the Giants and the rest of the MLB. For the Giants, Verlander provides a much-needed boost to their rotation and could help them contend for a World Series title in 2023. However, there are some concerns about Verlander’s health and age, as well as the Giants’ long-term plans.

For the rest of the MLB, Verlander’s signing is a reminder that even at 39 years old, he is still one of the best pitchers in the game. It also shows that the Giants are serious about contending in 2023 and could be a threat to the Dodgers and Padres in the NL West.

Conclusion

Justin Verlander’s signing with the San Francisco Giants is a major move that could have a significant impact on the team’s fortunes in 2023. Verlander is one of the most successful pitchers of his generation, and his addition to the Giants’ rotation gives them a legitimate ace. However, there are some concerns about Verlander’s health and age, as well as the Giants’ long-term plans. Overall, the signing of Verlander is a positive move for the Giants, but it is important to manage expectations and monitor his performance closely.