Justin Verlander did not want his baseball career to end in 2025. Late in the season with the San Francisco Giants, he made it clear that retirement was not in his plans. Now, as a free agent, he is considering what the next step in his career will be.
Verlander started the 2025 season slowly but improved significantly by the end. The Giants paid him $15 million for the 2025 season.
"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," ESPN's Kiley McDaniel writes.
McDaniel projects that Verlander could earn $13 million on a one-year contract for 2026, although it is possible he might receive a similar deal to last year.
"I assume he'll get a little less this year, though he could also get the same contract again."
Verlander's experience could help teams that are competitive but not top contenders, fitting a mentor and occasional starter role.
Author's summary: Justin Verlander remains a sought-after veteran free agent after a solid 2025 season, with prospects for a 2026 contract as he weighs options amid a challenging aging curve.