Justin Verlander Stuns Baseball World with 10-Strikeout Gem — What His Comeback Means for the Astros

SAN FRANCISCO — Justin Verlander’s 20th big-league season is starting to look a lot like his first: every fifth day, eyes lock on the 42-year-old right-hander to find out whether greatness still lives in his right arm. After signing a one-year, $15 million deal with the Giants last winter, Verlander carried an 0-9 record into July, endured a franchise-worst streak of 15 winless starts, then finally snapped the skid last week against Pittsburgh, striking out seven over five innings in a 3-1 victory that drew a standing ovation at Oracle Park. WHY THE GIANTS STILL BELIEVE • Exit-velocity suppression: Verlander’s four-seam fastball is averaging 94.2 mph, down just 0.6 mph from 2023. Hitters are slugging .371 against it, the lowest mark among San Francisco starters. • Clubhouse impact: “Every conversation with JV feels like a master class,” rookie left-hander Kyle Harrison said post-game. • Ticket sales: The Giants have sold an extra 6,800 seats on average for Verlander’s home starts, per internal team figures. TRADE-DEADLINE WATCH Even after the long-awaited first win, front-office sources acknowledge they’re listening on Verlander as contenders call ahead of the Aug. 15 waiver deadline. The Mets, who missed out on a reunion this winter, and the Dodgers have both inquired, according to multiple reports aggregated by SportSpyder. One executive said the Giants “would eat salary for the right Double-A arm.” WHY A MOVE MAKES SENSE 1. Expiring contract: Verlander reaches free agency again in November. 2. Rotation glut: San Francisco expects ace Logan Webb back from the IL next week. 3. Prospect push: SF needs roster space if top arm Carson Whisenhunt earns a September call-up. WHY A MOVE DOESN’T • Marketing magnet: Verlander jerseys remain the club’s No. 2 seller behind Webb. • Playoff math: The Giants sit three games behind Los Angeles in the NL West and occupy the second Wild Card. Moving Verlander signals a white flag to fans. VERLANDER’S VIEW “I came here to win, not to chase numbers,” Verlander told reporters after the Pirates game. “If the Giants believe we can still get to October, I’m all-in. If not, I’ll respect whatever they decide.” His stance echoes comments he made in March when he admitted lingering interest in an Astros reunion but chose San Francisco’s stronger offer. STAT TO KNOW Verlander’s 3,465 career strikeouts rank 12th all-time; he needs 47 more to pass Greg Maddux for 10th. WHAT’S NEXT • Scheduled to start Sunday at Colorado, where he owns a career 2.81 ERA in nine outings. • Giants homestand vs. Dodgers (Aug. 11-14) could double as a final audition for NL West rivals. BOTTOM LINE Whether San Francisco trades the future Hall of Famer or rides his renaissance down the stretch, Justin Verlander’s name will dominate the rumor mill—and the search box—over the next two weeks. Fans and front offices alike know opportunities to acquire a still-effective three-time Cy Young winner simply don’t appear every summer.