Giants' Justin Verlander free agent contract cost revealed after retirement decision | Sporting News

Giants' Justin Verlander Free Agent Contract and Retirement Decision

Justin Verlander did not want his baseball career to end in 2025. Late in the season with the San Francisco Giants, he clearly stated he had no plans to retire. Now, he must decide what’s next in his baseball journey.

Contract Details and Performance

Verlander is currently a free agent after a season that started slowly but improved as it progressed. The Giants paid him $15 million for the 2025 season. According to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, Verlander is projected to earn $13 million on a one-year deal in 2026.

“Verlander signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Giants last year, and they got what they paid for: He was even a bit better in 2025 than 2024 by some measures,” McDaniel writes. “I assume he'll get a little less this year, though he could also get the same contract again.”

Age and Future Prospects

Turning 43 on February 20, Verlander is a future Hall of Famer but faces uncertainty about how much longer he can continue to perform at a high level. Despite this, the Giants might benefit from keeping him on the roster due to their relatively shallow rotation.

Verlander likely fits best on a team that is competitive but not a top-tier contender at the moment. Another option on the table is a potential return to his original team, the Detroit Tigers.

Context from Related News

Summary

Justin Verlander remains a valuable, though aging, pitcher whose future contract depends on his 2026 performance and the strategic needs of contending teams like the Giants or possibly the Tigers.

Author’s summary: Verlander aims to continue his career beyond 2025, with a projected pay cut reflecting his age but his experience still making him a valuable asset for teams seeking pitching leadership.

more

Sporting News Sporting News — 2025-11-06

More News