“Passion is still there,” Justin Verlander PUMPED UP for 2025 season with Giants despite lingering shoulder issue
Justin Verlander hopes not to retire anytime soon as he signs 1-year deal with the Giants amid health concerns.
Follow Us
Justin Verlander [Image Credit: Imago]
Pitcher Justin Verlander excited to start the 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants following 1-year $15 million deal. Many fans thought the 41-year-old would announce his retirement but that seems to be a matter of the long future.
Verlander talked about how much “passion” he still has for the sports and would like to retire not earlier than 45. During a Zoom call, he said he’s been practicing all offseason, something he did not do in the past with the Houston Astros.
While he’s already a lock-in as a future Hall of Famer, Justin Verlander wants to make sure he plays to his content before retirement. While he admits some new adjustments are needed, he is happy to be part of an ever-evolving circle.
I think, personally, [it’s] proving that I still have it. I’ve accomplished enough in my career. I wouldn’t be back if I didn’t think I could be great…I think you can tell that the passion is still there. The fire is still burning.
Justin Verlander as per Michael Brauner of SI.com.
Introduced today by the Giants?
— Jason Bristol (@JBristolKHOU) January 14, 2025
Justin Verlander. His take on his second stint with the Astros?
"Last year, that's a sour taste in my mouth. Not with the organization, just in myself. I hold myself to a standard that I want to pitch." @KHOU pic.twitter.com/YIKqT0mj50
In 2024, he only made 17 starts due to health issues. He spent most of his time in the IL recuperating from shoulder and neck issues. However, with the Giants, he is excited for a positive and fresh start into his 40s.
As of now, it is not decided which jersey No. he’ll wear as an SF Giants player. He has worn No. 35 almost all his career but that number is symbolic to the organization’s beloved shortstop Brandon Crawford. Whether he’ll don that jersey No. or changing it to a different one is yet to be confirmed.
Justin Verlander admits fault for health issues as pitcher gears up for 2025
In 2024 Justin Verlander had a worst season as he suffered from injuries constantly. His neck and shoulder pain created issues for the veteran pitcher as he hit free agency later on.
Despite all the backtracks, the 3x Cy Young Award winner is motivated and believes he can overcome his adversaries. He is determined to make changes and practice regularly to make sure he stays 100% all the time.
For the first time in my career, I have not put down a ball. I kept throwing all offseason and that was to help the shoulder issue that I had (last year). It was totally avoidable. It was my fault…Well, at 41 that caught up with me.
Justin Verlander as per Alex Pavlovic of NBCSports.com.
Reporter forgot to mute himself as he was pointing out Justin Verlander using Kate Upton’s Zoom account 😂 pic.twitter.com/eryv6g0yXi
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) January 13, 2025
Last season Verlander started off with shoulder inflammation and later on during the mid-season he suffered from a neck injury. He missed two months due to health issues and spent most of his time in the IL.
However, he hopes 2025 spring training helps him get into form further and especially get along with his new San Francisco Giants teammates. It’ll be worth seeing whether Verlander can make a rebound to his career or if age catches up quickly.
Stay Updated!
Kaushani Chatterjee
(2143 Articles Published)