Justin Verlander, a three-time American League Cy Young Award winner, celebrated his 42nd birthday on Thursday with hopes of achieving the milestone of 300 career wins in Major League Baseball. Currently holding 262 career wins, the highest among active pitchers, Verlander is gearing up for his 20th season in the big leagues, now with the San Francisco Giants following a challenging 2024 season marred by injuries during his time with the Houston Astros.
Verlander recently took to the mound for batting practice at the Giants' spring training camp in Scottsdale, Arizona. Despite facing setbacks last season due to shoulder inflammation and neck discomfort, he has been diligently training throughout the offseason and is feeling healthy and motivated for the upcoming season. In 2024, Verlander struggled with a 5-6 record and a 5.48 ERA, a significant deviation from his career ERA of 3.30.
Reflecting on his career and aspirations, Verlander expressed his commitment to the game and his desire to continue competing as long as he maintains his passion and work ethic. His recent signing with the Giants on a one-year, $15 million contract signifies his determination to bounce back from the challenges of the previous season.
Verlander acknowledges that achieving 300 wins will require him to extend his career beyond 2025. Only a select group of 24 pitchers in MLB history have reached this milestone, with the most recent being Randy Johnson in 2009. Verlander's impressive track record includes multiple Cy Young Awards and All-Star appearances, highlighting his exceptional talent and longevity in the sport.
Among active pitchers, Verlander leads in career wins, followed by Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw with over 200 wins each. Verlander's standout performance in 2022, where he posted an 18-4 record and a 1.75 ERA en route to a World Series title with the Astros, underscores his ability to deliver under pressure.
As Verlander embarks on his 20th season in MLB, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching his journey towards the coveted 300-win mark, a testament to his resilience and dedication to the game.
Source: AP MLB
