JUSTIN VERLANDER'S STILL GOT IT APPARENTLY

The San Francisco Giants have agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal with starting pitcher Justin Verlander. While it’s not Yankee news, Verlander is one of those players you have to report on when he’s on the move.

A nine-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner, Verlander has been one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, earning accolades with the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros. He even snagged the AL MVP award in 2011, the same year he won his first Cy Young with the Tigers.

However, Verlander is no longer in his prime. His 2024 season was rough, posting a 5.48 ERA over 90⅓ innings and hitting a career-low in strikeout rate. Despite his determination to pitch until 45, the declining velocity of his fastball has been hard to ignore.

There was some doubt about whether Verlander would continue his illustrious career, especially after last season’s struggles, which included a career-worst ERA in 17 starts for the Astros and two stints on the injured list. Still, it’s good to see him giving it another go. I’m not a Verlander hater—he’s had a fantastic career and deserves respect. Let's see if he has anything left in the tank.

I wish him well.