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Justin Verlander and the Orioles: Why Baltimore\u2019s Interest Still Makes Sense Despite the Questions<\/h2>\n
The glory days of a legendary career inevitably fade, and for Justin Verlander<\/strong>, many observers believe those days may already be behind him. His most recent major award came in 2022<\/strong>, which also marked the last of his nine All-Star selections<\/strong>. At 42 years old, Verlander is no longer the dominant force who once overwhelmed lineups with sheer velocity and durability.<\/p>\nStill, the numbers and recent performance suggest that writing him off entirely may be premature\u2014especially for a Baltimore Orioles<\/strong> team searching for pitching stability, leadership, and upside as it tries to keep pace in the unforgiving American League East<\/strong>.<\/p>\nA Tale of Two Seasons for Verlander<\/h3>\n
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Verlander\u2019s 2024 season was uneven, which explains much of the skepticism surrounding him. In 17 starts with the Houston Astros<\/strong>, he struggled mightily, posting a 5.48 ERA<\/strong> and frequently looking vulnerable early in games. Those results alone would normally discourage a contender from pursuing an aging starter.<\/p>\nHowever, the broader picture tells a more encouraging story. Last season with the San Francisco Giants<\/strong>, Verlander made 29 starts<\/strong>, logged 152 innings<\/strong>, and finished with a respectable 3.85 ERA<\/strong>. Even more compelling was how strong he looked in the second half.<\/p>\nAfter the All-Star break, Verlander recorded a 2.99 ERA over 14 starts<\/strong>, and he was particularly dominant in September, allowing just two earned runs across five appearances<\/strong> for a 2.08 ERA<\/strong>. That late-season surge suggested improved command, sharper stuff, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to adjust\u2014something Verlander has done repeatedly throughout his career.<\/p>\nUnderlying Metrics Suggest There\u2019s Still Life Left<\/h3>\n
Advanced metrics support the idea that Verlander still has something to offer. According to an analysis highlighted by MLBTradeRumors.com<\/strong>, Verlander posted an 11 percent swinging strike rate<\/strong>, his highest mark since 2022. That indicates hitters were still struggling to make consistent contact against him.<\/p>\nHis fastball velocity also remained encouraging, averaging 94 mph<\/strong>, which is impressive for a pitcher in his early 40s. While he no longer reaches triple digits regularly, the pitch still has enough life to set up his secondary offerings effectively.<\/p>\nFor the Orioles, who value analytical indicators alongside traditional stats, these trends likely play a significant role in evaluating Verlander as a potential acquisition.<\/p>\n
Orioles Know Verlander\u2019s Upside All Too Well<\/h3>\n
Baltimore does not need to rely solely on data to understand what Verlander can still do. The memory is fresh.<\/p>\n
On August 31<\/strong>, Verlander carved through the Orioles\u2019 lineup with 10 strikeouts in five scoreless innings<\/strong>, showing flashes of his vintage dominance. That performance was followed by a remarkable stretch in which he delivered:<\/p>\n\n- \n
Six scoreless innings against St. Louis<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n- \n
One run allowed over seven innings versus the Los Angeles Dodgers<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Seven scoreless innings against Arizona<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThose outings served as a reminder that even if Verlander is no longer elite every start, he can still take over games when everything clicks. For a team with postseason aspirations, that ceiling is difficult to ignore.<\/p>\n
Comparing Verlander to Other Orioles Targets<\/h3>\n
The primary arguments against signing Verlander stem from comparisons to other pitchers the Orioles have pursued this offseason\u2014namely Framber Valdez<\/strong> and Ranger Su\u00e1rez<\/strong>, the latter of whom ultimately signed with the Boston Red Sox<\/strong>.<\/p>\nValdez and Su\u00e1rez are younger, more durable, and viewed as safer long-term investments. They also fit more naturally into the role of a rotation anchor. Verlander, by contrast, carries greater risk due to age and recent inconsistency.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s also the concern that Verlander would resemble other recent veteran additions by executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias<\/strong>, such as Charlie Morton<\/strong> (now 42) and Kyle Gibson<\/strong> (38). Those signings provided innings but did not significantly elevate the rotation.<\/p>\nHowever, Verlander exists in an entirely different class historically.<\/p>\n
Verlander\u2019s Resume Sets Him Apart<\/h3>\n
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Few pitchers in MLB history can match Verlander\u2019s r\u00e9sum\u00e9. Over 20 seasons<\/strong>, he has accumulated an astounding 82.2 bWAR<\/strong>, dwarfing Morton\u2019s 18.5 WAR in 18 seasons<\/strong> and Gibson\u2019s 14.3 WAR in 13 seasons<\/strong>. That level of sustained excellence matters\u2014not just statistically, but in terms of leadership, preparation, and big-game experience.<\/p>\nVerlander\u2019s strong second half last season suggests that his decline may not be linear. Instead, it hints at a veteran who can still adapt, refine his approach, and contribute meaningfully when healthy.<\/p>\n
Adding to the intrigue is Verlander\u2019s familiarity with Elias from their shared time in Houston<\/strong>, where Elias played a role in building championship-caliber rosters. That relationship could facilitate trust and alignment in expectations.<\/p>\nHow Verlander Fits into Baltimore\u2019s Bigger Picture<\/h3>\n
The Orioles\u2019 interest in Verlander makes more sense depending on timing and context. If he were signed earlier in the offseason\u2014perhaps instead of Zach Eflin<\/strong>\u2014his role would be clearer. He could serve as a stabilizing presence while Baltimore continued searching for a true No. 1 or No. 2 starter<\/strong>.<\/p>\nIf Verlander is added after other moves, he becomes more of a high-profile depth option<\/strong>\u2014one with upside well beyond that label. In a bounce-back season, he could outperform expectations and provide tremendous value relative to cost.<\/p>\nStill, Verlander is a tougher sell to a fan base eagerly awaiting positive news on Valdez or another frontline ace, especially after missing out on Su\u00e1rez and seeing constant trade rumors swirl around top pitching targets.<\/p>\n
AL East Arms Race Raises the Stakes<\/h3>\n
Baltimore\u2019s urgency is amplified by the moves made within the division. The Toronto Blue Jays<\/strong> added Dylan Cease<\/strong> and already feature Kevin Gausman<\/strong>, Shane Bieber<\/strong>, Cody Ponce<\/strong>, and Trey Yesavage<\/strong>. The Red Sox<\/strong> now boast Ranger Su\u00e1rez<\/strong>, Garrett Crochet<\/strong>, Sonny Gray<\/strong>, Johan Oviedo<\/strong>, and Brayan Bello<\/strong>.<\/p>\nThe New York Yankees<\/strong> recently acquired Ryan Weathers<\/strong>, still have Max Fried<\/strong>, Cam Schlittler<\/strong>, and Luis Gil<\/strong>, and are waiting for the returns of Gerrit Cole<\/strong>, Carlos Rod\u00f3n<\/strong>, and Clarke Schmidt<\/strong>. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays<\/strong> feature the formidable duo of Drew Rasmussen<\/strong> and Shane McClanahan<\/strong>, with Steven Matz<\/strong> added to the mix.<\/p>\nOrioles Face Key Questions Moving Forward<\/h3>\n
Baltimore enters the next phase of the offseason with uncertainty. Kyle Bradish<\/strong> projects as the No. 1 starter, and having him healthy for a full season would be a major boost. Overall depth should improve, which is crucial for a team that has struggled to stay out of trouble when injuries hit.<\/p>\nBut questions remain:<\/p>\n
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Who is the next pitching acquisition?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Will it come via free agency or trade?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Is the top of the rotation strong enough without a pitcher like Valdez, Zac Gallen, or another established ace?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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How will all of these arms fit into a five-man rotation?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The answers are coming\u2014and whatever path the Orioles choose, Justin Verlander remains a fascinating, if polarizing, part of the conversation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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