Justin Verlander Remains Unsigned as Spring Training Begins
As Spring Training officially kicks off, a notable group of players who elected free agency after the 2025 season remain without a team. Leading this group is none other than veteran pitcher Justin Verlander. He’s joined by former San Francisco Giants teammates Wilmer Flores, Dominic Smith, and Tom Murphy, all navigating the complexities of the offseason market.
Giants Close the Door, But Options Remain for Verlander
The Giants, while leaving the door open for a potential return for the future Hall of Famer, have bolstered their pitching rotation with the additions of Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle. This move suggests a shift in direction, potentially limiting opportunities for Verlander in San Francisco. Despite accumulating over 3,500 innings throughout his illustrious career, Verlander has demonstrated he still possesses the skills to compete at a high level.
In 29 starts with the Giants, Verlander posted a solid 3.85 ERA, a 3.85 FIP, and a 1.36 WHIP. He also maintained an impressive 8.1 K/9 strikeout rate and a 2.63 SO/W (strikeout-to-walk) ratio. His pursuit of the coveted 300-win milestone was hampered by a lack of run support and bullpen struggles, adding only four wins to his career total of 262.
Dominic Smith and Wilmer Flores Also Seek New Teams
Alongside Verlander, Dominic Smith finds himself in a similar situation. Acquired mid-season by the Giants, Smith provided a valuable offensive boost, slashing .284/.333/.417 (111 wRC+) with five home runs and 33 RBI in 225 plate appearances. While defensive metrics weren’t always kind, Smith showcased his abilities at first base. However, with the Giants now having Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge at the position, and the addition of Luis Arráez, a reunion seems unlikely.
Wilmer Flores, a clutch hitter during his time with San Francisco, also remains a free agent. Despite a slight dip in performance due to a knee injury, Flores still managed a .686 OPS with 16 home runs and 71 RBI in 463 plate appearances. The veteran has expressed his desire to continue playing, seeking a team where he can contribute.
Tom Murphy’s Future Uncertain
Tom Murphy’s situation is perhaps the most straightforward. The Giants declined their team option, and he received a $250,000 buyout. Having appeared in only 38 plate appearances over two seasons, finding a new opportunity may prove challenging for the veteran backstop.
What’s Next for These Free Agents?
The coming weeks will be crucial for Verlander, Smith, Flores, and Murphy. As Spring Training progresses, teams will continue to evaluate their needs and potentially make moves to address them. For Verlander, finding a contender that can provide consistent run support and a reliable bullpen will be key to reaching his 300-win goal. The market for experienced players like these is always fluid, and a surprising turn of events could easily unfold.
Stay tuned for further updates on these free agency situations as the baseball world prepares for the 2026 season.
MLB.com – Justin Verlander Free Agency Rumors
