Justin Verlander wrapped up easily one of the most challenging seasons of his career. He was left off the Houston Astros roster for their wild-card game with the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. When the news came through, fans had mixed reactions. Some fans were thrilled that Verlander, who is having a topsy-turvy season, is on the sidelines. But some were hopeful that Justin could make a comeback after the team crosses the Wild Card Series. 

The Detroit Tigers beat the Astros 5-3, and in a fashion no one had anticipated. Verlander had to watch his team lose from the sidelines. At 41, he is on the brink of an uncertain future, and making it more challenging is the fact that his free agency is looming close. However, unlike popular belief and despite the various challenges he has faced, Verlander made it clear on Wednesday that he isn’t done yet, and will be ready to pitch and be back in his element next year.

Justin Verlander is still not ready to throw in the towel

The 2024 season was a tough span for Justin Verlander, who is turning 42 in February. He kicked things off this season by landing on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, but he thankfully made a comeback. Unfortunately, he had to go back to the IL in June because of lingering neck pain. JV then missed two and a half months, and when he returned to the mound, he struggled. In his final seven starts, he had an 8.10 ERA. So the Houston Astros left him off the roster for the Wild Card Series.

Now Justin Verlander is in a bit of a pickle since his free agency is right around the corner. But he isn’t throwing the towel just yet. After the Astros postseason exit, Verlander reflected on his season filled with ups and downs. Justin Verlander then said, “Obviously, wasn’t pitching well enough to be a part of this series. But having an offseason to kind of get things right, I definitely feel like I want to continue to pitch and compete. And I’m not ready to step away yet.” And it is possible that after spring training, he will be able to push past this season’s nightmare and find success once again. Because when healthy, Verlander has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this century.

JV is a nine-time All-Star three-time Cy Young winner, and two-time World Series champ. Plus, Verlander also won the coveted MVP award in 2011. As he looks towards free agency, he is determined to come back strong in 2025. And while the team lost to Detroit Tigers, Justin Verlander’s brother sure is supportive of Tiger’s player—especially Tarik Skubal.

Justin Verlander’s brother claims Tarik Skubal is the best pitcher in MLB

One cannot deny that Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers is a star. He is undoubtedly the frontrunner for the Cy Young award and has kept up his upward momentum going into the postseason. In fact, at the Tiger’s first playoff game in almost ten years, Skubal showed why he might just be the best pitcher in all of MLB. Heading into Game 1 of the Wild Card round, the Tigers were underdogs, but they soon pulled off a win. While Astros Justin Verlander was upset with the loss, his brother Ben was impressed by this underdog team, especially Tarik.

Ben Verlander took to social media to remind everyone of Skubal’s greatness. “He is a bad bad man.” And he didn’t stop there, it’s worth noting that Ben Verlander, being the brother of future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, sure knows about pitching greatness. Ben also tweeted, “Just your friendly reminder that Tarik Skubal is the best pitcher in Major League Baseball.” Skubal wrapped up the 2024 season as the American League leader in wins (18), ERA (2.39), and strikeouts (228), and he is worth all the appreciation.

There is plenty of baseball left to be played in the Wild Card round. But the Tigers ace sure is making a strong case for himself as he looks towards winning his first AL Cy Young Award. And as per rumors, seems like he is a fan-favorite for the award. Do you think he will win it? Let us know your thoughts.