A 42-year old baseball pitcher who still possesses the same vigor he did nearly two decades ago. Yes, we are talking about none other than Justin Verlander who recently made his third start of the Cactus League. The results? In San Francisco’s 5-3 victory over the Athletics, Verlander struck out four batters while giving up just one run in five innings, off of four hits, one walk, and one home run.

The 2004 debutant has played in nearly 22 seasons of Major League Baseball. Obviously in these professional years of his career, Verlander has been through Spring Training numerous times. So what was different this time? This was his first time in a Cactus League play. San Francisco has signed the 42-year-old pitcher to a one-year deal for $15 million. 

A living example of ‘ age is just a number

The fact that Verlander can play and produce impactful results is beyond amazing. Fans and players alike are in awe of the pitcher. Even MLB insiders like Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Heyman wrote in his article, “No one should doubt Verlander can pitch until he’s 45, or longer. He’s occasionally mentioned that number as an exit target but doesn’t seem to really mean it.”   

“It’s just a round figure off in the distance. Out here, he looks like he can throw forever.” Even his former teammates think that he is the type of pitcher that will throw as long as he desires to do so. “He can pitch as long as he wants to,” Astros catcher Martin Maldonado said.

Given his record, Justin Verlander is sure to make it to Cooperstown and into the Hall of Fame. But the question remains: which hat will he put on when he does?  

A Hall of Fame question lingers over Justin Verlander  

Justin Verlander‘s remarkable career has spanned nearly two decades, with his legacy shaped by time spent with two iconic franchises: the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros. His time with the Tigers, where he developed into one of the league’s premier pitchers, laid the foundation for a career that would eventually earn him two World Series titles with the Astros. 

After signing a one-year, $15 million contract with the San Francisco Giants this winter, Verlander finds himself on the brink of an even more notable achievement: his 20th MLB season. Yet, despite his success, one question seems to follow him wherever he goes—what cap will he wear when he inevitably enters the Hall of Fame? During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Verlander was asked this very question, laughing it off with his characteristic charm. “I honestly do not know,” he responded, adding a playful, “I don’t think I would tell you even if I did.”  

Verlander’s future Hall of Fame decision may not be pressing for now, but it’s a conversation that will only intensify as his career winds down. With an eye on his 20th season, Verlander remains focused on his next chapter, taking on the challenge of pitching for his fourth team in an illustrious career. Whether in San Francisco, Houston, or another city down the line, one thing is certain—Verlander’s legacy will be one that baseball fans will debate and celebrate for years to come.