Justin Verlander has made it clear he’s not ready to retire just yet — the veteran right-hander plans to pitch again at age 43. While his market remains uncertain, a reunion with the Detroit Tigers is emerging as one of the most intriguing possibilities. The San Francisco Giants, meanwhile, don’t appear eager to bring him back for another season.
The Tigers are expected to make additions this offseason, especially to bolster their starting rotation, and Verlander — one of the franchise’s all-time greats — could be the perfect fit. One MLB insider even believes such a move could mark the final chapter of his legendary career.
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Verlander is projected to sign a one-year, $12 million deal. Bowden listed the Tigers (“so he can retire as a Tiger”) and Giants as the best potential fits. Verlander finished strong last September with a 2.08 ERA over five starts, allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of them. Overall, he made 29 starts, logging 152 innings with a 3.85 ERA.
Verlander spent his first 13 seasons in Detroit, winning Rookie of the Year, a Cy Young Award, and earning six All-Star selections while posting a 3.49 ERA in 380 starts. If he returns to where it all began and retires as a Tiger, it could easily become one of baseball’s most heartwarming stories next season.
Leave a Reply