The San Francisco Giants are facing a difficult situation with starting pitcher Justin Verlander, whose performance this season has fallen well below expectations. With an 0-8 record and a 4.99 ERA across 16 starts, Verlander’s recent struggles, including a poor outing in Toronto, have prompted the team to consider alternatives. While pursuing a trade remains a viable strategy, the Giants may also look to promote a pitcher from within their minor league system to take Verlander’s place in the starting rotation.
Evaluating Three In-House Pitching Candidates
The Giants have three potential internal options who could step up into the big league rotation if the team opts to replace Verlander with a homegrown talent. Each has shown promise but comes with varying degrees of risk and experience.
First, Carson Whisenhunt, the organization’s top pitching prospect, deserves close attention. This left-handed pitcher has spent the season with Triple-A Sacramento’s River Cats and recently participated in the Futures Game, posting a solid performance. Over 17 starts, Whisenhunt has recorded a 4.50 ERA across 94 innings with 82 strikeouts and 28 walks. Although his stats are modest, his notable changeup makes him a compelling candidate to test at the Major League level. At 24 years old, the Giants might see if Whisenhunt can translate his minor league skills to the rotation spot.
Another option is Carson Seymour, who gained brief MLB experience earlier this season. In his major league appearances, Seymour pitched four innings and surrendered two earned runs before returning to Triple-A. With a 3.86 ERA over 77 innings at Sacramento, Seymour has shown steadiness that could justify a second chance in the Giants’ starting staff.
The third option is Mason Black, familiar to Giants fans from last season. Black struggled last year, allowing 26 earned runs in just over 36 innings and did not improve markedly in his sole outing this season, giving up three earned runs and two home runs in four innings. His performances raise doubts about his readiness to effectively replace Verlander.
Weighing the Risks and Future Possibilities
None of these internal pitchers inspire strong confidence that they would immediately outperform Justin Verlander, whose decline has nonetheless put the Giants at a crossroads. Although the trade market might offer a more promising solution to bolster the rotation, giving one of these young pitchers an opportunity could provide valuable insight into their potential. This approach carries some risk, especially as the Giants remain competitive, but it might prove worthwhile if the team’s aspirations change later in the season.
Ultimately, if the Giants find themselves out of contention in the second half, turning to an internal option could serve both to preserve resources and to evaluate the organization’s pitching depth. Meanwhile, actively seeking an experienced starter on the trade market may remain the best course to improve the rotation during this critical time.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Justin Verlander get 300 wins?
A. Based on age and performance patterns, Verlander is unlikely to reach 300 wins. Throughout his long and legendary career, from his Rookie of the Year season to his latest Cy Young Award, he averaged 16 wins each year. This doesn’t account for the shortened 2020 season.
Q. Has Justin Verlander ever thrown a no hitter?
A. On this day 18 years ago, Justin Verlander pitched the first of his three career no-hitters. Only six pitchers in history have achieved at least three no-hitters.