Giants' Greg Johnson backpedals Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander rumors

The San Francisco Giants have been pretty busy since the regular season ended. The front office was tasked with finding a new manager after parting ways with Bob Melvin. 

San Francisco decided to go with Tony Vitello, who had found tons of success at the college level. He led the University of Tennessee to a national championship in 2024. 

Now, he and the front office will be tasked with putting together the best product they can. Watch for them to make pitching a priority over the winter to help bolster their starting rotation. 

Giants' Greg Johnson backpedals Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander rumors

With the club hiring Vitello, rumors started to circulate regarding free agent Max Scherzer. The two know each other as Vitello coached Scherzer when he attended the University of Missouri from 2004-2006. 

There are also rumors surrounding retaining Justin Verlander. However, at 41 and 42 years old, they are not at their peak. Giants owner Greg Johnson shared his true feelings on signing either of these arms, via the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser. 

"Certainly they're options. Scherzer and Verlander are just complete studs, but it's always risky at that age counting on them in your starting rotation for a year."

While Scherzzer and Verlander are well-decorated starters, having to count on someone at that age is always dangerous. Their risk of injury is significantly higher than that of younger arms, but there is no guarantee that younger arms are safe from injury either. Just look at pitchers like Spencer Strider or Grayson Rodriguez.

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