Four backup plans if Justin Verlander does not return to the SF Giants this winter

With Justin Verlander reportedly hoping to continue pitching in 2026, it would make a lot of sense for the SF Giants to bring back the veteran starter for another year in San Francisco. Verlander started slow in 2025 but bounced back and had a strong stretch of outings in August and September, becoming arguably the team's most consistent starter down the stretch.

Four backup plans if Justin Verlander does not return to the SF Giants this winter

It would make a lot of sense to bring him back. The Giants need more pitching in the middle of the rotation. Verlander is familiar with the team and might not want to move to another new city this late in his career.

However, rumor has it that the Giants are not the only team hoping to sign Verlander. The Astros and Tigers have both been connected to him, and one recent prediction had him signing with the Padres.

What happens if Verlander does not resign with the Giants? Here are four potential backup plans in case Verlander does not work out.

1. Merrill Kelly

Entering his age 37 season, Kelly continues to be a steady hand. Since the start of 2022, he's made 108 starts, with a 3.47 ERA and 11.7 bWAR. He's not going to be an ace, but he is a veteran who has made a name for himself as being durable and consistent. He's likely a bit cheaper than Verlander, which makes him an affordable back-up plan.

2. Chris Bassit

Although the veteran moved to the bullpen during the postseason, Bassit is still projected to be a starter next year after starting 31 games for the AL Champion Blue Jays. He has a 3.77 ERA in 125 starts since 2022, solid numbers for a now 37-year old who has not been an All-Star since 2021.

3. Tyler Anderson

Anderson was good in 2024 for the Angels, being named to the All-Star team with a 3.81 ERA in 31 starts. He was also an All-Star for the Dodgers in 2022. Last year, he struggled, with a 2-8 record in 26 starts and a 4.56 ERA. He was still worth 2.0 bWAR, and perhaps on a better team, Anderson would bounce back. He's been hit or miss the past few seasons, but if the Giants can sign him for cheap, he's a high-ceiling candidate.

4. Patrick Corbin

Corbin's career appeared to be over before he made the move to Texas last season and lowered his ERA to 4.40 (he had a 5.71 ERA between 2021 and 2024).

The former two-time All-Star with the Diamondbacks would be available for very cheap, and if he can replicate his numbers from Texas, he can be a solid fourth or fifth option in the rotation.