Part 4/6:
Despite the signing of Verlander, the Giants face a formidable challenge in the highly competitive National League West. Analysts generally place them as the fourth-best team in a division that includes the seasoned Los Angeles Dodgers, rising Arizona Diamondbacks, and the San Diego Padres. This perspective raises eyebrows regarding Verlander's choice to join the Giants.
Choices in free agency often boil down to available offers and the likelihood of competing for a championship. It’s conceivable that lesser teams may have offered more lucrative deals; however, their limited chances of contention could deter a player at Verlander’s stage of his career.