In this digital age, one would think that everyone would have mastered the mute button on calls by now. But even in 2025, it seems like tech mishaps are still common, and when they happen, they make for some priceless, stomach-churning moments. Case made—Justin Verlander’s introductory press conference with the San Francisco Giants. What should have been a simple, straightforward media event turned into a comedic affair thanks to a reporter.

So Verlander, who just signed a one-year deal with the Giants, joined the press conference via Zoom. He was joined along with the president of baseball operations of Gianta, Buster Posey. As Posey fielded a question, a reporter forgot to mute his mic, chiming in at the wrong moment. The reporter, noticing that Verlander’s display name in Zoom was, “Kate Upton”—his wife’s name—said out loud, “Look at Justin’s name!” Well, everyone heard this loud and clear, even Verlander.

Giants VP of media relations Matt Chisholm quickly drooped in and asked all the media personnel to just be on mute. But right then, Verlander, who heard it all, came on video to say, “Alright, I’ll change it,” with a smirk. Later, he changed his name to “JUSTIN VERLANDER (not Kate).” Well, he sure seems cheeky! The reporter behind the “Look at Justin’s name” comment was later identified as NBC Sports Bay Area’s Taylor Wirth. He even posted a picture on X, pointing a finger at himself, as if to say, It was him!

However, while the Zoom mishap did grab headlines, Verlander’s focus is, of course, on the mound. Justin Verlander as a whole has had a challenging year with the Houston Astros with an ERA of 5.48 over 90.1 innings. The Giants are betting $15 million on the three-time Cy Young winner. So hopefully, he will find his groove back on. And by his talks, it seems like he is confident!

Justin Verlander is not ready to fade to the sunset yet

Aside from the mic mishaps, a lot was discussed at Justin Verlander’s introductory press conference. And at the 30-minute press conference, shared by MLB Network, the veteran pitcher didn’t shy away from questions. Plus, he addressed the elephant—his recent performance struggles. “I wouldn’t be back if I didn’t think I could be great,” Verlander mentioned. Further, he said, “I truly believe the experiences I had last year and leading into this year can bring me back to the pitcher. I was not all that long ago when I won a Cy Young.” He seems confident about the 2025 season and even touched upon the topic of his iconic No. 35 jersey.

Verlander said that he is still undecided about whether he will wear it or not. However, he did say that Buster Posey reached out to Brandon Crawford about it. But he still hasn’t talked to Crawford personally as of yet. Well, for a veteran like Verlander, it’s a prove-it year or maybe the last big change. MLB insider Ethan Roberts compared Verlander’s situation to Greg Maddux’s late-career stretch.

Roberts said, “I view this very similarly to what Greg Maddux did towards the end of his career. Greg Maddux was very mediocre for the last six years of his career, and it’s weird because watching him was like watching an artist… And to then see him bounce around the league and pitch with so many different teams.” For the San Francisco Giants, Verlander’s arrival is a signal of ambition.

They are hoping that this Hall of Fame-bound star can refind his magic and lead them to October baseball. Verlander, though, has made it clear—he isn’t ready to fade away just yet. Where do you think his journey is headed in Giants? Let us know in the comments.