Giants’ Verlander Shines in Bullpen Debut Amid MLB Spring Training

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — In his second bullpen session for the San Francisco Giants, pitcher Justin Verlander left a memorable impression on his teammates, calling pitches with precision and confidence. Verlander’s performance on the mound has sparked excitement during MLB spring training, just days after he turned 42.

Giants manager Bob Melvin noted Verlander’s unique ability to predict the speed and movement of his pitches, stating, “He called the shot basically on every pitch.” During the session, Verlander claimed a fastball would clock in at 94 mph, which it did, even reaching 94.9 mph later on.

Logan Webb, a right-hander for the Giants, commented on Verlander’s impressive display, saying, “He was like, ‘If I don’t hit 94, I’m walking home.’” Verlander’s recovery from Tommy John surgery and subsequent neck and shoulder issues has reinvigorated his approach, demonstrating his readiness for the season.

In a recent interview, Buster Posey, the Giants’ new president of baseball operations, expressed his belief in Verlander’s potential, emphasizing, “I want you to be great again, and I think you can.” Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, reflected on his long career ambitions, stating, “I always said I never wanted to put a number on it, but 45 has been kind of the idea that I’ve had.”

During a live batting practice session, Verlander faced off against shortstop Willy Adames, who has already made headlines this spring with his offensive prowess. Adames, signed as a free agent for $182 million, showcased his skill against Verlander’s pitches. “Oh, I thought I had you there,” Verlander remarked after Adames connected with a curveball.

Verlander’s enthusiasm and engagement during practice signal that he is not just aiming to return to form but also to achieve personal milestones, including the pursuit of his 300th career win. Reflecting on his longevity, he said, “Like I tell my daughter, I’ve been training my whole life to run this marathon.”

His ability to read and predict pitch metrics like “vert” or induced vertical break denotes a special level of mastery, as he shared, “Just from feeling the way it comes out of my hand… sometimes you see it flat, sometimes you see it really take off.”

Bob Melvin sees Verlander as a model for the organization’s younger pitchers, aiming to nurture instincts rather than reliance on statistics alone. “What we’re trying to get our guys to do is create some instincts and some knowing of yourself,” Melvin explained.

With Verlander on board with a one-year, $15 million contract, the Giants are optimistic about both team performance and the development of their younger pitchers. “If he does go out and be great, he’s going to be a mentor whether he realizes it or not,” Posey added with anticipation.

Returning to the mound this year, Justin Verlander poses the question not of how long he can continue to play, but rather, “How good can I still be?” His determination to excel in his craft drives the excitement around the Giants this spring.