Seems like most people are thinking no. Starters pitch less often than they used to, and they all get hurt eventually. Lately though I've been wondering if the window might be slightly open for the best pitcher of his generation, Justin Verlander.

He is now 42 years old and 38 wins away. It seems especially difficult considering he might have a fork sticking out of his back. Most pitchers who have a 5.48 ERA at age 41 are looking into alternative careers at age 42.

But the idea of Justin getting 38 more wins is not unprecedented. There have been 7 pitchers to win more than 38 games after they turned 42.

Phil Niekro, Jamie Moyer, Jack Quinn, Nolan Ryan, Bartolo Colon, Charlie Hough, and Randy Johnson. Three of them are knuckleballers, so cross them off. Jamie Moyer is the complete opposite of Verlander as a pitcher, so forget him too. That leaves 3 who were elite power pitchers like Justin has been.

Wins through age 41: 

Ryan 273

Johnson 263

Verlander 262

Colon 204

Verlander would be a 300 game winner, or at least right on the edge of the milestone, if not for the short 2020 season and his injury. He won a single game in 2020-2021, but won 39 in the two seasons directly before and after.

Ryan and Johnson owe their 300 win status to pitching into their mid 40s. Colon missed too much time in the decade before that. If Verlander finishes like Ryan:

313-186, 4355K

That would be 3 full seasons with at least 162 IP and 12-16 wins per year, plus two shorter years after passing 300.

Johnson: 302-177, 3919K

This path would mean a big win year in 2025, though a high ERA, and injury shortened year, and another comeback at 44 to get to the finish line.

Colon: 305-194, 3850K

Big Sexy's path is 2 years as an effective innings eater, getting 15 wins each, followed by 2 years of batting practice but 7 more wins each year.

Odds are long, but it can happen, and pitchers in his situation have gotten to the finish line before.

302-177,