Giants Star Justin Verlander Announces Decision on Retirement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 7:37 PM ET

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Justin Verlander has had an up-and-down season with the organization after signing a one-year, $15 million contract ahead of the 2025 season. Verlander struggled with injuries and effectiveness during the first half of the season, leading to speculation over whether or not his age had finally caught up to him.

However, the 42-year-old has turned it around since the All-Star break. Verlander has posted a 2.63 ERA over 12 starts in the second half, striking out 60 batters in 65 innings pitched. Although Verlander is no longer the strikeout threat he once was, his ability to limit hard contact has been impressive.

Verlander has especially been dominant in the month of September, allowing just one run over his last three starts (20 innings pitched). After the Giants’ victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday — in which Verlander tossed seven scoreless innings — the former ace announced a decision on his retirement.

“Justin Verlander says he definitely plans on pitching in 2026 after his sensational second half,” wrote USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

Justin Verlander says he definitely plans on pitching in 2026 after his sensational second half.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 17, 2025

Verlander seemingly feels rejuvenated following his recent stretch, and he is set to hit unrestricted free agency — meaning he will get another opportunity to continue being a starting pitcher. Verlander currently sits at 265 total wins in his career, making 300 wins a realistic possibility if he pitches for a couple more seasons. Unfortunately, he has not received run support from San Francisco’s offense this year, and he’s only picked up three wins.

Justin Verlander's Historic 20-Year Career

Although Verlander has chosen to extend his career into 2026, the ace has nothing left to prove. Over two decades in the big leagues, Verlander has solidified himself as one of the greatest pitchers this generation has ever seen, with an incredible list of accomplishments:

1x Rookie of the Year
1x MVP
3x Cy Young
9x All-Star
2x World Series Champion

Verlander will be heading to Cooperstown as a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he does choose to hang it up — the only question will be which organization he will represent when he is honored.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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