Justin Verlander is 42 years old. Honestly, in baseball years, that makes him practically ancient. Most guys his age are long retired, probably playing golf or doing color commentary for local broadcasts. But Verlander? He’s still out there. Still grinding. Still trying to find that elusive "it" factor that has defined his Hall of Fame career.
Recently, the veteran right-hander made some waves when he admitted that Justin Verlander says he's not in postseason form yet. It sounds like a alarm bell for a guy with two World Series rings, but if you look closer, it's actually just classic JV. He's always been a perfectionist.
Last season with the San Francisco Giants was a weird one. He finished with a 3.85 ERA across 152 innings. Not bad for a mortal, but Verlander isn't a mortal—at least he doesn't think he is. He struggled early, battling a pectoral strain that cost him a month of the 2025 season. Then, something clicked. He posted a 2.60 ERA over his final 13 starts. Even with that surge, he’s being blunt about where he stands as the 2026 season approaches.
The Reality of Aging in the Big Leagues
Father Time is undefeated. We’ve heard it a million times. Verlander knows it better than anyone. He’s currently sitting on 266 career wins. That magic number—300—is the carrot on the stick. But to get there, he has to be healthy.
His 2024 season was a mess of neck injuries and shoulder inflammation. He finished that year with a 5.48 ERA. People were ready to write the obituary on his career. Then 2025 happened. He proved he could still be a workhorse. He reached 150 innings for the 16th time in his career. That’s insane durability.
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When Justin Verlander says he's not in postseason form yet, he’s talking about the "stuff." His fastball velocity still fluctuates. Sometimes he’s sitting 91-92 mph. Other times, like in that late-September win against the Rockies, he dials it up to 96 when he needs a strikeout. It’s that inconsistency that bothers him. He’s a master of the craft, not just a thrower. He beats you with intelligence now.
Why the Postseason Form Comment Actually Matters
In the world of MLB, "postseason form" is a specific gear. It's the ability to dominate the best lineups in the world for seven innings without a single mistake. Verlander has been there. He’s the guy who used to throw 100 mph in the ninth inning of a playoff game.
But look at the landscape right now. He’s a free agent. Teams like the Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, and even the Chicago White Sox have been linked to him. They aren't just buying his arm; they are buying his brain. They want the mentor.
"At this point in my career, if something goes really wrong, I’m not going to rehab a surgery or anything," Verlander told John Shea of the San Francisco Standard.
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That’s a heavy quote. It basically means every start could be his last. He’s not interested in being "okay." He wants to be the guy who can anchor a rotation. When he says he isn't in postseason form, he’s signaling to potential suitors that he knows exactly what he needs to work on. He’s not delusional.
Breaking Down the Numbers
To understand why he’s being so critical of himself, you have to look at the underlying metrics from his 2025 campaign:
- Strikeout Rate: It’s dropped. He’s no longer the high-K monster of the late 2010s.
- Walk Rate: It spiked a bit. He had a 5.3% walk rate for years, but that crept up recently.
- Exit Velocity: Surprisingly, he’s still elite here. He doesn't get hit hard very often.
He’s basically become a "pitchability" expert. He uses his slider and changeup more to keep hitters off-balance. But for a guy who grew up blowing heat past everyone, that transition is a mental hurdle.
Where Does He Go From Here?
The market for a 43-year-old starter is always going to be niche. You’re looking for a one-year deal. Probably around $15 million, similar to what the Giants gave him.
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The Tigers feel like the sentimental favorite. Fans in Detroit would lose their minds for a reunion. They need a veteran to guide Tarik Skubal and the young rotation. The Braves make sense if they want a cheap, high-upside gamble to fill out the back of their staff.
The biggest takeaway from the Justin Verlander says he's not in postseason form yet comment is transparency. Most players would give you a canned answer about feeling "great" and "ready to go." Verlander is telling you the truth. He’s still building. He’s still 34 wins away from 300. He’s still chasing that third ring.
If you’re a fan, you should appreciate this. We are watching one of the last "old school" aces try to survive in a game dominated by 24-year-olds who throw 102 mph. He’s doing it with guile. He’s doing it with grit. And yeah, he’s doing it with a little bit of Kate Upton’s support in the stands.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the Velocity: In his first few starts of 2026, don't worry about the ERA. Watch his average fastball velocity. If he’s consistently at 93-94, he’s found that form he’s looking for.
- Monitor the Landing Spot: If he signs with a contender, he’s likely a #4 starter. If he signs with a rebuilding team like the A's or White Sox, he’s there to be a trade chip and a teacher.
- Don't Count Him Out: Every time someone says he's finished, he goes on a two-month tear with a sub-2.00 ERA.
Verlander isn't done. He’s just being honest. And in a sport full of clichés, that honesty is exactly why he’s still the most interesting pitcher in the game.
To keep a close eye on his progress, track his bullpen sessions through early February. If he starts hitting his spots with the slider, that "postseason form" will return sooner than he thinks. Check local beat writers for velocity readings as spring training ramps up.