Struggling Giants Put Justin Verlander’s Goal in Peril as $15M Star Risks Running Out of Time

Justin Verlander affirmed his status as an immortal in baseball, making a career by defying age and expectations. Now, he is all set to face his toughest opponent: time. With 262 victories on the board, the 41-year-old is looking to achieve the rarest of the rare feat: the 300-win mark. 

Despite pitching the ball like a man well in his prime, Verlander is racing against time as the struggling San Francisco Giants threaten to leave him short of his target. The Giants have squandered his last three starts, during which he posted a solid ERA of 1.96, which is making fans question—Is the JV’s dream slipping away already? 

Earlier in the off-season, Verlander penned down a one-year, $15 million deal with San Francisco in the hope of rejuvenating his career milestones and competitiveness at the highest level. The 6’5” pitcher has been nothing short of exemplary so far in the season, but has no win to show for it. The veteran requires as many as 38 more wins to add to his tally and reach his goal of 300 wins—a milestone which appears a bridge too far.

The Giants have faltered way too many times for their liking this season, leaving Verlander high and dry with minimal run support, questionable defense, and frequent bullpen collapses. Therefore, it is understandable that every Giants loss will make Verlander’s goal more distant. With the odds stacked against him, each wasted opportunity by the Giants brings Verlander further from his goal.

The Bay Bombers have significantly floundered in their last three games, both in the offence and the bullpen area, despite the Virginian’s heroics on the mound—efficiency, command, and velocity defying his age. 

“I still believe I can do it. But it’s going to take more than just me pitching well. It takes a team,” Verlander told reporters earlier in the off-season. Let’s just say his vision board didn’t turn out to be a success.

It is important to note that no pitcher has reached the magical figure of 300 since Randy Johnson in 2009. Now, the lacklustre performance of the Oracle Park-based franchise threatens to disrupt Verlander’s fairy-tale ending to a glorious career. 

Justin Verlander’s career etched in Gold – Even without 300?

With or without the milestone, Verlander’s story has been an inspiration which transcends beyond numbers. His glittering cabinet boasts three Cy Young Awards, the 2011 AL MVP title, nine-time All-Star recognition, and a World Series Championship. His credentials match those of the greatest the games has produced. 

Since making his debut in 2005, JV has set gold standards for longevity and dominance on the field for over two decades. This includes his late career renaissance with Houston Astros. Apart from the Giants and Astros, Verlander has also donned the jerseys of the New York Mets and Detroit Tigers. 

“I’m still chasing greatness,” Verlander said earlier this year. “As long as my body lets me compete at a high level, I’m not done.” But for Verlander, it is his team that is standing in his way of 300. 

Even if he doesn’t reach the aformentioned milestone, for Verlander, the number isn’t just about the Hall of Fame. The determined athlete has always been known for his high ambitions, durability, elite mentality, and more popularly carried the torch for the old-school pitching era.

Unfortunately for Verlander, Giants have been plagued with injuries and inconsistent performance. Whether he he reaches his goal or not, Verlander’s has solidified his status as a legend of the game. Do you think that the Giants can help Verlander achieve his milestone? Let us know in the comments.

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