Free agent Verlander finalizes 1-year, $15M US contract with Giants

For the first time in nearly two decades as a major league pitcher, Justin Verlander didn't take an off-season break from throwing.

He needed to keep a baseball in his hand so his shoulder would co-operate. He needed the routine, to maintain a rhythm.

"I've always been somebody who, I set down the ball, I don't pick it up again for a few months and then I've always been very lucky that I just pick it up and start throwing," Verlander said Monday. "Well, at 41, that caught up with me. So that was an adjustment that I've made that I feel is paying big dividends already."

The star right-hander finalized a one-year, $15-million US contract with the San Francisco Giants last weekend, and he's determined to show he can still pitch at the highest level after a forgettable, injury-plagued 2024 season.

New president of baseball operations Buster Posey and the Giants believe Verlander can still bring it, counting on him to help them contend again in the talented National League West.

The three-time American League Cy Young Award winner said he's "miles ahead" of where he was last year at this time and he's trying not to overdo it now ahead of spring training, which begins next month.

Verlander went 5-6 with a 5.48 earned-run average in 17 starts for the AL West champion Houston Astros last year. He opened the season on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. He also was on the IL from June 18 to Aug. 21 because of neck discomfort.

"Last year was difficult," he said. "It was worst-case scenario for me. You could never get in a groove, pitched about as bad as I felt like I could. Positives were, I was able to learn a lot. You can't play this game for very long if you don't learn from injuries."

Verlander will receive a full no-trade provision and a hotel suite on road trips.

• He would earn $200,000 for winning his second MVP award, $150,000 for finishing second in the voting and $50,000 for third, and would get the same bonuses for Cy Young Award voting.
• In addition, Verlander's deal calls for him making $100,000 for an all-star selection, $150,000 for World Series MVP and $100,000 for League Championship Series MVP.

Verlander clearly remembers the electric atmosphere in San Francisco during the 2012 World Series, when the Giants swept his Detroit Tigers.

That included Posey on the other side, and now the retired star catcher did the recruiting of the veteran pitcher.

And the Giants aren't adding him just to be a mentor or example for their young pitchers but rather a top-tier starter to complement Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.

"Justin's track record speaks for itself," Posey said. "I was lucky enough to get to compete against him for a number of years and have always admired the way that he takes care of himself. When we started having the conversation a couple of weeks ago it was very evident just how motivated he is, and you don't get to the level of greatness that he's accomplished in his career without having just the utmost fortitude and desire to be the best."

Matusz a 'staple' in O's clubhouse

Brian Matusz, the left-handed pitcher who spent eight seasons in the major leagues, mostly with the Baltimore Orioles as they returned to prominence a decade ago, has died. He was 37.

The Orioles and University of San Diego announced Matusz's death Tuesday night, with USD saying it received word from Matusz's family. They did not announce a cause of death.

"Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole Brian Matusz," the Orioles said. "A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched. He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face."

The Orioles drafted Matusz with the fourth overall pick in 2008 out of San Diego.

"Brian was one of the best players to ever wear a Torero uniform," San Diego coach Brock Ungricht said. "His dedication to the USD community and passion for the game of baseball were evident to all who knew him. Brian's unexpected passing leaves a void in our hearts, but his legacy will continue to inspire us, both on and off the field. We will forever be grateful for his friendship and unwavering support of San Diego baseball."

Matusz made his major league debut in 2009 and was a starter until shifting to the bullpen down the stretch in 2012. That was the season Baltimore earned a wild card for its first postseason appearance in 15 years.

In 2014, Matusz went 2-3 with a 3.48 earned-run average in 63 relief appearances as the Orioles won the AL East.

Baltimore traded Matusz to Atlanta early in the 2016 season, and he eventually caught on with the Chicago Cubs, making one start for them that year in what would be his final appearance in the majors.