Justin Verlander’s career is that of a legend. With numerous accolades, including Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and World Series championships, Verlander has firmly established himself as one of the all-time greats. As he nears the end of his current contract, there is growing speculation about his future. Verlander has expressed a desire to pitch until age 45, but with his contract set to expire after the 2024 season and his quest for 300 wins still ongoing, this might be the perfect time for him to call it a career.

Early Career and Path to Stardom

Verlander made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2005, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact. By 2006, he had won the American League Rookie of the Year award, leading the Tigers to the World Series. Over the next decade, Verlander became the face of the franchise, earning a reputation as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball.

His crowning achievement came in 2011 when he won the AL Cy Young Award and the MVP—a rare double for a pitcher. Verlander’s ability to overpower hitters with his blazing fastball and a devastating curveball and changeup made him virtually unhittable at his peak.

The Houston Astros and a Career Renaissance

In 2017, Verlander was traded to the Houston Astros, a move that revitalized his career. With the Astros, Verlander found himself at the center of a team built for success, and his contributions were immediate. He was crucial in leading Houston to a World Series title that year, earning ALCS MVP honors.

In 2019, at age 36, Verlander defied Father Time by winning his second Cy Young Award, proving he was still among the best in the game. His time in Houston has solidified his legacy as he continued to dominate hitters and set new standards for longevity and excellence in pitching.

The Quest for 300 Wins

One of the most intriguing aspects of Verlander’s career is his pursuit of 300 wins—a milestone that only 24 pitchers in MLB history have reached. In an era where wins are increasingly seen as a flawed measure of a pitcher’s effectiveness, 300 wins remain a prestigious mark, symbolizing sustained excellence and durability.

As of now, Verlander is within striking distance of this elusive milestone with 260 career wins. However, reaching 300 wins is no easy task, especially as he approaches his 42nd birthday in February. It would require continued health and performance and the opportunity to pitch for a competitive team that can provide the run support needed to secure victories.

A Desire to Pitch Until Age 45

Despite his advancing age, Verlander has been vocal about his desire to pitch until age 45. Given his remarkable track record and recent success, this ambition is not out of the realm of possibility. Verlander has managed to maintain his velocity and adapt his approach, allowing him to remain effective even as other pitchers his age have faded.

However, the question remains: Is it worth the risk? Pitching is physically demanding, and its toll on the body increases yearly. While Verlander has shown incredible resilience, pushing his career further could expose him to the risks of injury and diminished performance.

Why 2024 Might Be the Right Time to Retire

Verlander’s contract with the Astros expires after the 2024 season, so he faces a pivotal decision. Retiring at this point could be the perfect ending to a storied career for several reasons:

1. Securing His Legacy: Verlander’s place in the Hall of Fame is already assured. He has achieved nearly everything a pitcher could hope for, and retiring after the 2024 season would allow him to leave the game on a high note with his legacy intact.
2. Minimizing Risk: Pursuing 300 wins is noble but comes with significant risks. As Verlander ages, the likelihood of injury or a sharp decline in performance increases. Retiring before such setbacks would preserve his reputation as one of the best to take the mound.
3. A Natural Transition: With his contract ending, 2024 offers a natural transition point for Verlander. He could walk away on his terms rather than face the uncertainty of free agency or the pressure of extending his career.
4. Focus on Life After Baseball: Although unconfirmed, Verlander could begin to explore life beyond baseball, which might include spending time with his family and evaluating other opportunities. If Verlander is considering retiring in 2024, this would allow him to embrace these new endeavors while fully healthy.

The Icing on the Cake: 300 Wins

It would be the perfect capstone to his career if Verlander can achieve 300 wins, whether with the Astros, if they decide to bring him back, or with another team. This milestone would ultimately validate his greatness, placing him in an exclusive club of the game’s most legendary pitchers. Even if he falls short of this goal, Verlander’s career will enshrine him amongst baseball’s best.

Conclusion

Justin Verlander’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. As he approaches the end of his current contract, the decision to retire after the 2024 season seems increasingly appealing. While the allure of pitching until age 45 and reaching 300 wins is strong, Verlander has already accomplished more than most could ever dream of. By stepping away at the height of his powers, he would secure his place in baseball history as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, leaving the game on his terms, with his legacy untouched.

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