Some things just get better with age; wine, whiskey, and apparently Justin Verlander. Although his 2024 campaign was riddled with injury, I think it’s worth noting the highlights from that injured season. San Francisco has a future hall of fame pitcher to look forward too, and here’s a few reasons as to why I think fans should take another look at the veteran pitcher.
One thing that has changed since Pablo Sandoval’s 2 homer game in the 2012 World Series is the increase in pitching velocity around the league. Velocity is always the headline. Fans and hitters alike are left stunned by 100+ mph fastballs, and who can blame us, velocity is fun to watch. For Verlander however, the velocity he once possessed in his youth is now a fraction of what it was. He sits around 93-97 mph, which is more than enough to deal with hitters around the league. Although it may not be as elite as it once was, I would expect his fastball to play well all season long. In addition to his 4-seamer, Verlander also features a combination of a change-up, slider, and a curveball. His off speed pitches are something of a marvel, and play off his fastball extremely well. Keeping this in mind, he has four elite pitches to rely on and compete.
At age 42, all baseball teams begin to wonder whether father time will catch up with Verlander, and bring an end to his illustrious career. Father time will have to wait however, because Justin said so. With the ambition to play well into his mid-forties, he still has the passion and drive to compete. Just listening to the interviews, and reading his comments, I have no reason to question his motives for signing in the bay.
The most critical reason for this signing is for the benefit of the younger starters. Young rookies such as Kyle Harrison, Hayden Birdsong, and Landen Roupp have a real shot at making the starting rotation. Although all three of these young pitchers have a little bit of experience in the big leagues, it would be beneficial to gain a little more experience. Coincidentally, Professor Verlander has 20 years in Major League Baseball, and can potentially become a role model for the young players. By giving them plenty of opportunities to learn from his routine, and how to be successful as a professional, there no doubt that even being in his presence, the rookies are bound to learn something.
So what is all the panic for? For one, injury concerns are a valid concern as he enters his age 42 season. However watching his introductory press conference, Verlander was confident about his health and throwing program which should give the fans a reason to not panik. In addition, I think the expectation of slotting him in the rotation behind Logan Webb, gives the impression he will return to his Cy Young caliber days. But expectations should be high, but just not that high.