The longevity of Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer's careers is a testament to their adaptability and resilience. Despite their age, both pitchers are still making significant contributions to the sport, with Verlander turning 43 and Scherzer turning 42. Their ability to evolve their pitching strategies and maintain high performance levels is remarkable. Here's a breakdown of how they've adapted and what it means for their future in the MLB.
Justin Verlander
Verlander's 20th Major League season was a testament to his adaptability. He started the season with a 4.99 ERA and 4.29 FIP, but his performance improved significantly in the second half of the season. In a nine-week span, he posted a 2.60 ERA and 3.36 FIP, outperforming many of the best pitchers in baseball.
The key to Verlander's success was his ability to change his pitching strategy. He reduced his reliance on his elite fastball, which had been a defining pitch throughout his career. Instead, he focused on deception and added a new pitch, a sweeping version of his signature slider. This change allowed him to maintain his effectiveness without relying on his fastball.
Verlander's success in the second half of the season was a result of his ability to adapt his pitching mechanics. He moved towards the third-base side of the rubber, which created better angles to attack hitters. He also raised his arm slot, releasing his fastball from a higher point, which may have contributed to his success.
However, Verlander's success is not without its challenges. He told The San Francisco Standard that his arm angle climbed too high in 2024, leading to a physical breakdown. Despite this, he remains committed to adapting and improving his pitching strategy.
Max Scherzer
Scherzer's 2025 season was a testament to his resilience. Despite a lingering thumb injury and poor performance, he was able to bounce back in the postseason. He allowed only six runs in three postseason starts, throwing his fastest pitch in two years and maintaining a high average fastball velocity.
Scherzer's success in the postseason was a result of his ability to adapt his pitching strategy. He increased his reliance on his four-seamer, which was his best pitch by run value. He also threw his slider more frequently, which was tied for his highest single-season rate. His ability to locate his pitches in the strike zone was a key factor in his success.
Scherzer's ability to adapt his pitching strategy and maintain high performance levels is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite his age, he remains a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
