Verlander eyes 2026 return

Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander signals a potential return for another season, weighing health risks against a continued long career.

Verlander aims to pitch again in 2026

Justin Verlander is finishing his 20th big league season with the San Francisco Giants, posting a 4.53 ERA over 99 1/3 innings. He had a tough outing against the Nationals after a midseason pectoral strain and prior neck and shoulder issues that kept him off a playoff roster last year. The Giants signed him to a one year, 15 million deal in the winter, a vote of confidence in his track record as much as this season’s numbers. He has shown moments of health improvement at times, including a stretch before today’s game where his ERA stood at 2.66 in 23 2/3 innings since returning from the IL. Verlander has said he would like to keep pitching in 2026, though he added caveats linked to his health.

With time on his side and clear signs of renewed health, he could attract interest from contenders seeking veteran depth. Front offices are likely to favor short term contracts that limit risk, even as Verlander’s age and changing strikeout tendencies complicate the market. The milestone of 3,503 career strikeouts underscores his lasting impact, and his future will hinge on whether he can stay healthy through the rest of the season and beyond. The question now is whether a team can responsibly back him in 2026 while chasing a championship.

Verlander’s latest statements illuminate a larger arc in today’s baseball: aging stars still matter if they stay healthy enough to contribute meaningful innings. Clubs are increasingly willing to bet on durability and leadership in addition to on-field performance, but the risk calculus tightens with every year added to a pitcher’s age. A one year, high-value deal makes sense for a contender, but it also creates a narrow path to a longer commitment if health falters. The real story may be less about a single season and more about how pain, rehab, and routine care shape the business of veterans in a sport that rewards peak years and punishes prolonged decline.

The 3,503 strikeouts are a reminder of Verlander’s place in the game, yet the coming market will test whether teams value his legacy over current metrics. If he proves he can stay healthy, a two-year or another short-term pact could be on the table and may redefine how teams balance experience with risk. The Giants’ approach to Verlander earlier this year also signals that clubs will weigh payroll realities against the upside of a proven winner in the clubhouse and in high-leverage moments.

Highlights

Time will tell if Verlander’s next chapter adds to a legendary career.