MLB.com announced the San Francisco Giants have signed future Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander to a one-year, $15 million dollar contract, pending a physical.

Verlander has been, for just about all of his 19-year career, a marvel – three time Cy Young winner, owner of a Rookie of the Year award and a Most Valuable Player award. Last year, dealing with injuries and being 41, he turned in a season that showed less promise – 5-5, 5.48, his highest WHIP since 2008 and his highest HR allowed rate ever (not counting 2020, when he made but one start).

For the Giants, this is a risk, but not a long term one and not a horrible longshot either. For starters, Verlander pitched better than the fifth starter options that the Giants had in 2024 (Hayden Birdson and Keaton Winn). Even if Verlander is just a 1 WAR pitcher in 25 starts, he’s a step forward. Additionally, there is no pressure for Verlander to pitch every fifth day. He could be a Sunday starter or pitch every six days or something like that to get enough recovery time between starts.

For Verlander, what’s left? Losing two seasons to injury in 2020 and 2021, Verlander likely lost his shot at 300 career wins. At 262, he’d need three very good years to get there and there aren’t many pitchers winning 12 games a year at this age without throwing a nasty knuckler. He’s already well beyond 3000 career Ks; 48 walks gets him to 1000 (not that 1000 walks is some sort of milestone…). So this is one of those “Am I really done?” moments.

He’s bounced back from his two other off seasons. Verlander bounced back from injuries to win a Cy Young. I, for one, don’t want to bet against the man when he’s committed to proving himself. Years ago, Verlander figured out that he naturally threw hard enough (triple digits at peak) that he could try to lean on location with a 95 mph heater and save his best fastball for when he needed it. It allowed him to go deeper into starts and win more games. Not only is he talented, but he’s a smart and resourceful guy. If anyone can come back to go 10 – 5, 3.50 at 42 years old, it’s Justin Verlander.

I’m a Justin Believer.