Justin Verlander, one of baseball’s premier pitchers, is set to join the San Francisco Giants on a one-year deal, adding significant firepower to their rotation. However, his arrival has stirred an unexpected conundrum: what number will the ace wear?
Throughout his storied career, Verlander has sported No. 35, a number that has become synonymous with his dominance on the mound. But with the Giants, that number is currently retired in honor of Richie McCovey, the Hall of Fame first baseman and one of the franchise’s most revered figures.
Verlander’s Historic Number
For Verlander, No. 35 represents more than just a number; it’s a symbol of his legacy. From his debut with the Detroit Tigers to his time with the Houston Astros and a brief stint with the New York Mets, the number has followed him through multiple milestones, including:
- Winning two Cy Young Awards.
- Earning an AL MVP title in 2011.
- Securing two World Series championships.
- Accumulating over 3,300 career strikeouts.
Given his achievements, the question now arises: will Verlander opt for a new number or negotiate for a special exception?
Giants’ Options
The Giants are no strangers to jersey number challenges when signing star players. Most recently, Carlos Correa faced a similar situation when joining the team, as his preferred No. 4 was retired for Hall of Famer Mel Ott. Correa ultimately chose an alternative, respecting the franchise’s history.
Verlander, known for his professionalism, is likely to follow suit. Possible alternatives include:
- No. 34: Close to his traditional number and worn by former Giants pitcher Matt Cain, though not officially retired.
- No. 45: Previously worn by Hunter Pence, another fan-favorite Giant.
- A completely new number, signaling a fresh start with the team.
Fans Weigh In
The debate has already ignited among Giants fans, many of whom are thrilled by Verlander’s signing but eager to see how the jersey situation unfolds.
One fan wrote on Twitter, “Verlander in a Giants uniform is wild enough—seeing him without No. 35 will be surreal!”
Others have jokingly suggested Verlander could pay homage to McCovey by wearing No. 44, McCovey’s number when playing for the San Diego Padres.
Why It Matters
While jersey numbers may seem trivial, they hold deep significance for athletes and fans alike. For players, it’s a badge of identity and pride. For fans, it’s a link to history and a player’s journey.
Verlander’s signing already brings excitement to the Giants’ offseason, and the jersey decision adds an intriguing subplot to his upcoming tenure in San Francisco.
A Bold Move for 2025
With Verlander’s arrival, the Giants are clearly signaling their intent to contend in 2025. His proven track record and postseason pedigree could provide the team with the edge they need in a competitive National League West.
Regardless of the number he chooses, Justin Verlander is poised to make an impact in San Francisco, both on the field and in the hearts of Giants fans.