Justin Verlander has really gotten his fastball back as of late, and it apparently has him feeling pretty darn good about himself.
The former Cy Young winner Verlander twirled a gem for the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday during their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Verlander threw seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits and two walks to help the Giants eventually secure a 5-1 victory in 11 innings.
Speaking with reporters after the game, the question of Verlander’s playing future came up. Verlander told the media that he “definitely” plans on pitching in 2026, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.
Now 42 years old, Verlander had a horrific first half of the season for the Giants, going 0-8 with a rough 4.99 ERA through mid-July. But he came on incredibly strong in the second half and has now posted a sparkling 0.87 ERA in his last five starts to go along with 28 strikeouts over 31.0 total innings pitched.
As for next season, the nine-time All-Star Verlander is not currently under contract as his deal with the Giants this year is only of the one-year variety (worth $15 million). 2026 would also mark Verlander’s 21st career season in Major League Baseball.
But Verlander is clearly still spry and has earned himself a long, hard look from interested MLB teams this winter thanks to his phenomenal second half. Verlander has long been praised for his longevity and is now putting together quite the resurgence after looking almost completely washed around this same time last season.
