Veteran Ace Justin Verlander Closes 20th Season with Impressive 1.96 ERA in Final Seven Starts

San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander concluded his 20th Major League Baseball season with a remarkable late-season performance, posting a 1.96 ERA over his final seven outings. The veteran right-hander, now 42, pitched his last game of the 2025 season, earning a win against the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park.

The achievement was highlighted by his brother, Ben Verlander, who tweeted, "> "Another good outing brings a close to Justin’s seasons. In his final 6 starts he had a 1.78 ERA. Year 20. Unreal. So proud. 👏👏👏" While the tweet cited a 1.78 ERA over six starts, official MLB reports confirm a 1.96 ERA across his last seven appearances, showcasing a dominant finish to his year.

Verlander's 2025 season with the Giants was characterized by a strong second-half surge after a challenging start. He finished the year with a 3.85 ERA over 152 innings in 29 starts, an improvement from his 0-7 record and 4.70 ERA in the first half, which included a two-week absence due to a right pectoral strain. His post-All-Star break performance saw him go 4-4 with a 2.99 ERA over his final 14 starts.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner and former MVP expressed his desire to continue pitching in 2026, aiming to reach the 300-win milestone. Giants manager Bob Melvin voiced hopes for Verlander's return, suggesting he would receive a "nice offer" and potentially a two-year deal, despite Verlander's preference for year-to-year contracts. His consistent performance, especially in the latter part of his 20th season, underscores his enduring impact on the game.