SF Giants finalize signing for Justin Verlander, DFA multi-positional catcher

Justin Verlander has officially joined the SF Giants. The future Hall of Famer's one-year deal was finalized on Saturday. In a corresponding roster move, multi-positional catcher Blake Sabol was designated for assignment, per the team's transaction log.

SF Giants finalize signing for Justin Verlander, DFA multi-positional catcher

The signing gives the Giants more depth in a rotation that is light on experience. Verlander will be entering his 20th season in the majors in 2025.

The right-handed hurler is coming off of his worst year in the majors since he debuted with the Detroit Tigers in 2005. He posted a 5.48 ERA in 17 outings with the Houston Astros while being left off the team's playoff roster. Verlander battled neck and shoulder ailments last year, likely leading to his subpar numbers.

Oddly enough, the next time that Verlander throws off of the mound at Oracle Park will be his first since Game 1 of the 2012 World Series. I think we all remember how that one played out.

Verlander is looking to continue pitching until he reaches 300 career wins. While he will not reach that mark next season, he could get a bit closer as he will begin the year with 262 career wins. The three-time Cy Young winner may not have much left to offer if his struggles in 2024 were any indication but you can never count out a player of his pedigree.

On the other side of the transaction, Blake Sabol was designated for assignment. The Giants originally acquired him in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds before the 2023 season. The Reds selected him as a Rule 5 pick and he was still bound to those rules even after the deal.

Rule 5 picks do not often stick but Sabol managed to remain on the active roster for that entire season. He had some encouraging moments while flashing decent power in his rookie campaign. Overall, he posted a .695 OPS with 13 home runs and 44 RBI in 344 plate appearances in 2023.

Sabol was green with experience behind the plate but the Giants were committed to him sticking at that position as a rookie, knowing that it would come with some growing pains. When last year began, the new coaching staff did not seem as motivated at seeing the 27-year-old behind the dish. Oftentimes, they went out of their way to use any other alternative such as Curt Casali, Jakson Reetz, or even Andrew Knapp.

Sabol could remain on the waiver wire for up to 10 days before his status is resolved. A rebuilding team could see his power as intriguing enough to take a flyer.