Justin Verlander gets honest about his No. 35 jersey choice and his path back to Cy Young form

Justin Verlander will be making starts for the San Francisco Giants in 2025. Verlander is a three-time Cy Young Award winner, but he has not been pitching at that great of a level in the last few seasons.

The Giants still believe in him, as they signed the veteran to a one-year deal worth $15 million.

Pitching for the Houston Astros in 2024, Verlander managed to throw just 90.1 innings, and had an ERA that ballooned all the way up to 5.48. That is not normal for someone that is one of the best pitchers of his generation, and Verlander is vowing to get back to form this season.

MLB Network shared his introductory press conference with the Giants, and the video lasted nearly 30 minutes. Buster Posey is the new president of baseball operations for the Giants, and he started the press conference.

When it got to Verlander, he had this to say about his potential:

"I wouldn't be back if I didn't think I could be great. I really truly believe the experiences I had last year and leading into this year, I can be back to the pitcher I was not all that long ago when I won a Cy Young."

Verlander was also asked about the number 35 at the 24:40 mark of the video, and had this to say:

"I'm still putting a lot of thought into this," Verlander said about wearing number 35. He went on to say, "I know that Buster (Posey) has reached out to Brandon Crawford, but I have not gotten the chance to talk to him personally."

Justin Verlander following path of Greg Maddux

Justin Verlander will be in the Hall of Fame after he retires from playing, but the last few seasons have not gone well. He knows that he wants to continue pitching, but taking a one-year deal was the only option.

MLB insider Ethan Roberts believes this path by Verlander is similar to one taken by Greg Maddux.

"I view this very similar 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," Roberts said.

The Giants are looking to make a return to the playoffs, and they will need Justin Verlander to help get them there.