"Similar to what Greg Maddux did" - Mets sportscaster compares Justin Verlander's $15,000,000 Giants move to MLB HOFer's latter career decisions

MLB veteran Justin Verlander has signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, drawing comparisons from one podcaster to Greg Maddux's career toward the end of his time in the majors. The 41-year-old Verlander is heading into his 20th MLB season with what will be the fifth team of his career. On the "Rico Brogna" podcast, host Evan Roberts discussed Verlander's career arc in the MLB:

"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."

"What I later found out about Greg Maddux is that he wanted to pitch. Even if he wasn't the same dominant self, once you give up playing, once you walk away from professional sports, it's tough to ever go back... So good for Justin Verlander, best of luck in San Francisco."

Greg Maddux is a four-time Cy Young-winning pitching legend whose MLB career spanned over two decades. He spent the majority of his career with the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Braves, but he played for four others teams in the last five years of his career.

Heading into 2025, Justin Verlander's last few years in the major leagues are starting to resemble Maddux's late career. Having spent the peak years of his career with the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros, Verlander has spent the last two years moving between teams.

After comparing the two pitching greats, Evan Roberts predicts that Verlander's time in San Francisco will be short and likely end in a trade to another team.

San Francisco Giants face jersey number conundrum after signing RHP Justin Verlander

New San Francisco Giants signing Justin Verlander is a future MLB Hall of Famer who has had an illustrious career, consistently wearing the number 35 with every team he has played for. However, the Giants already have a legendary player who wore the number 35 in shortstop Bradon Crawford, who retired earlier this year.

The infielder reached legendary status over two decades in San Francisco and led them to two World Series titles. Hence, many have called for his number 35 jersey to be retired. With Verlander now signed as a new player, it remains to be seen what number he will wear on his jersey.