Three 40-year-old pitchers remain active in Major League Baseball after Adam Wainwright’s retirement and Rich Hill being unsigned. Justin Verlander, currently 41, is aiming to achieve 300 victories, with 257 wins to his name. Charlie Morton, also 40, recently pitched a scoreless 5 2/3 innings for the Atlanta Braves. Jesse Chavez, at 40 years old, has started his fifth stint with the Braves and intends to retire after this season.
Verlander, slowed by a shoulder injury, started the season on the injured list but is determined to pitch well into his 40s and follow in the footsteps of greats like Nolan Ryan. The three-time Cy Young Award winner has plenty of incentive to continue, especially with his lucrative two-year deal with the Mets. Morton, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran who brings experience and leadership to the Braves’ pitching staff, despite having a lower win total compared to Verlander.
Chavez, who was released by the White Sox before being picked up by the Braves, has been a valuable asset to the team in the past. Although his overall career stats are not impressive, he has been a reliable option for the Braves in crucial moments. It is possible that Rich Hill, a 44-year-old left-handed pitcher with a long career, may still find a spot on a team looking for pitching depth.
Some pitchers, like Wainwright, have had successful careers that extend beyond the age of 40. Wainwright accumulated 200 wins before retiring, and his partnership with Yadier Molina was iconic for the Cardinals. Verlander, with his sights set on the 300-win milestone, may join the ranks of baseball legends like Ryan and Randy Johnson. Life for these pitchers does not necessarily begin at 40, but their passion for the game keeps them going well into their later years.
While age and injuries present challenges for pitchers in their 40s, they also bring valuable experience and leadership to their teams. Verlander, Morton, and Chavez continue to prove that age is just a number when it comes to competing in Major League Baseball. As these veterans navigate the latter part of their careers, they serve as inspiration for younger players and demonstrate the longevity and resilience required to succeed in the sport.
