Justin Verlander already hinted earlier this season that this was what he was thinking.
But on Wednesday, confirmation came on what the San Francisco Giants’ 42-year old right-handed starting pitcher plans to do as far as retirement.
The answer: Keep playing.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported this Wednesday night: “Justin Verlander says he definitely plans on pitching in 2026 after his sensational second half.”
The news on Verlander came after his latest gem, seven scoreless innings to set the tone in an eventual 11-inning win for the Giants over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Verlander has now allowed one run total over his last four starts, which ties an MLB record for his age with Roger Clemens.
It’s been a remarkable second-half turnaround for Verlander, who looked washed up early in the year with an ERA above 6.00.
He has lowered his season ERA all the way to 3.75 with the hot stretch, and he looks at minimum like a guy who can fill in the back of a rotation next season.
First, the Giants have two more turns through their pitching rotation as they try to seize the last Wild Card spot in the National League.
They’ll need Verlander at his best in his next two outings. If they get that, the Giants have a legitimate chance of catching the Mets (and holding off the Reds and Diamondbacks).
Verlander won’t be pitching under the pressure of the last starts of his career, either. He can be free and easy and just bring his best stuff.
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