The Los Angeles Dodgers’ National League West rival San Francisco Giants are signing right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. It’s reportedly a one-year deal for $15 million.
Verlander, who turns 42 next month, will spend his 20th season in the NL West.
Verlander is coming off a 2024 season with the Houston Astros in which he struggled mightily, going 5-6 with a 5.48 ERA across 90.1 innings pitched. It was the worst season of his career, and a sudden downturn for the future Hall of Fame pitcher.
Verlander’s career began back in 2005 with the Detroit Tigers. Across 19 seasons with the Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets, he won three Cy Young awards, one MVP award, and a pitching Triple Crown while making nine All-Star appearances. Verlander also won two World Series titles, both with the Astros.
Verlander is now joining another major rival of the Dodgers in the Giants. San Francisco has made one major acquisition this offseason, signing shortstop Willy Adames to a seven-year, $182 million deal. The team has been involved in talks for many of the top players, but have struggled to land top talent, as they’ve done in recent years.
Verlander will hope to have a career revival in 2025 for San Francisco. Playing in the pitcher’s ballpark that is Oracle Park should help.
Verlander has four career regular season appearances against the Dodgers, going 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA and 33 strikeouts across 26.2 innings. He made two postseason appearances against the Dodgers during the 2017 World Series, allowing five earned runs across 12 innings for a 3.75 ERA.
