Ben Verlander
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Justin Brooks Verlander ( ; born February 20, 1983) is an American professional
baseball Baseball is a bat-and-ball games, bat-and-ball sport played between two team sport, teams of nine players each, taking turns batting (baseball), batting and Fielding (baseball), fielding. The game occurs over the course of several Pitch ...
pitcher In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throws ("Pitch (baseball), pitches") the Baseball (ball), baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of out (baseball), retiring a batter (baseball), batter, ...
for the
San Francisco Giants The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...
of
Major League Baseball Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...
(MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the
Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. One of the AL's eight chart ...
,
Houston Astros The Houston Astros are an American professional baseball team based in Houston. The Astros compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, West Division. They are one of two major leag ...
, and
New York Mets The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National ...
. A three-time
Cy Young Award The Cy Young Award is given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), one each for the American League (AL) and National League (baseball), National League (NL). The award was introduced in 1956 by Commissioner of Baseball ( ...
winner as well as an
American League The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the American League (AL), is the younger of two sports leagues, leagues constituting Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western L ...
(AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award recipient, Verlander is considered to be one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. Born in
Manakin Sabot, Virginia Manakin Sabot, consisting of the villages of Manakin and Sabot, is an affluent Unincorporated area, unincorporated community in Goochland County, Virginia, Goochland County, Virginia, United States. It is located northwest of Richmond, Virginia, ...
, Verlander attended
Old Dominion University Old Dominion University (ODU) is a Public university, public research university in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. Established in 1930 as the two-year Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary, it began by educating people with fewer ...
(ODU) and played
college baseball College baseball is baseball that is played by Student athlete, student-athletes at institutions of higher education. In the United States, college baseball is sanctioned mainly by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA); in Japan, ...
for the
Monarchs A monarch () is a head of stateWebster's II New College Dictionary. "Monarch". Houghton Mifflin. Boston. 2001. p. 707. for life or until abdication, and therefore the head of state of a monarchy. A monarch may exercise the highest authority an ...
. He broke the Monarchs' and
Colonial Athletic Association The Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), formerly the ECAC South Conference and the Colonial Athletic Association, is a collegiate List of NCAA conferences, athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA' ...
's career records for
strikeout In baseball or softball, a strikeout (or strike-out) occurs when a batter accumulates three strikes during a time at bat. It means the batter is out, unless the third strike is not caught by the catcher and the batter reaches first base safe ...
s. At the
2003 Pan American Games The 2003 Pan American Games, officially the XIV Pan American Games () and commonly known as Santo Domingo 2003, were held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from August 1 to 17, 2003. The successful bid for the Games was made in the mid-1990 ...
, Verlander helped lead the
United States national team The United States national team or Team USA may refer to any of a number of sports team representing the United States in international competitions. Olympic teams Additionally, these teams may compete in other international competitions such as ...
to a
silver medal A silver medal, in sports and other similar areas involving competition, is a medal made of, or plated with, silver awarded to the second-place finisher, or runner-up, of contests or competitions such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, ...
. The Tigers selected Verlander with the second overall pick of the 2004 MLB draft. He made his major league debut with the Tigers in 2005 playing there for 12 years as the
ace An ace is a playing card, die or domino with a single pip. In the standard French deck, an ace has a single suit symbol (a heart, diamond, spade, or a club) located in the middle of the card, sometimes large and decorated, especially in the ...
in their starting rotation, as a key figure in four consecutive
AL Central The American League Central is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions. This division was formed in the realignment of 1994 by moving three teams from the American League West and two teams from the American League East. Its teams are al ...
division championships (2011–2014) and two AL pennants (in 2006 and 2012). He is among the career pitching leaders for the Tigers, including ranking second in strikeouts (2,373), seventh in wins (183), and eighth in
innings pitched In baseball, the statistic innings pitched (IP) is the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of Batter (baseball), batters and baserunners that have been put out while the pitcher is on the Baseball field#Pitcher's mou ...
(2,511). The Tigers traded Verlander to the Astros before the 2017 trade deadline, and he went undefeated in his first five starts heading into the postseason. He was named AL Championship Series MVP, and was co-winner of the
Babe Ruth Award The Babe Ruth Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball (MLB) player with the best performance in the postseason. The award, created in honor of Babe Ruth, was first awarded in 1949 to New York Yankee pitcher, Joe Page, the MVP of th ...
as the Astros won the
2017 World Series The 2017 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2017 season. The 113th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff played between the National League (NL) champion Los Angeles Dodgers and th ...
. In 2018, Verlander became the 114th pitcher in major league history to earn 200 career wins, also becoming the 20th-fastest to reach the milestone (427 starts). In 2019, Verlander became the sixth pitcher in MLB history to throw three career
no-hitter In baseball, a no-hitter or no-hit game is a game in which a team does not record a hit (baseball), hit through conventional methods. Major League Baseball (MLB) officially defines a no-hitter as a completed game in which a team that batted in ...
s, and the 18th to strike out 3,000 batters. Verlander is a nine-time
MLB All-Star The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual professional baseball game sanctioned by Major League Baseball (MLB) and contested between the all-stars from the American League (AL) and National ...
and has led the AL in strikeouts five times, in
earned run average In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the average of earned runs allowed by a pitcher per nine innings pitched (i.e. the traditional length of a game). It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number ...
twice, and in wins three times. He was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2006, and in 2007 pitched the first no-hitter at
Comerica Park Comerica Park is a baseball stadium located in Downtown Detroit. It has been the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers since 2000, when the team left Tiger Stadium (Detroit), Tiger Stadium. History Construction Founded in 1894, t ...
against the
Milwaukee Brewers The Milwaukee Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee. The Brewers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Di ...
. In 2009, he led the AL in wins and strikeouts, both for the first time. Verlander produced his most successful season in 2011, including his second career no-hitter versus the
Toronto Blue Jays The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto. The Blue Jays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Since 1989, the team has p ...
.Detroit Tigers' Jason Verlander tosses second career no-hitter in win over Blue Jays
''
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'', May 7, 2011
By season's end, Verlander won the Pitching Triple Crown, the AL
Cy Young Award The Cy Young Award is given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), one each for the American League (AL) and National League (baseball), National League (NL). The award was introduced in 1956 by Commissioner of Baseball ( ...
unanimously, the
AL MVP The Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) is an annual Major League Baseball (MLB) award given to one outstanding player in the American League and one in the National League (baseball), National League. The award has been present ...
Award, and the ''Sporting News'' Player of the Year Award. In 2019, Verlander had his first career 300-strikeout season and won his second Cy Young award while leading the Astros to their second pennant in three seasons. He suffered an arm injury that required
Tommy John surgery Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, sometimes referred to as Tommy John surgery is a surgical graft procedure where the ulnar collateral ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with either a tendon from elsewhere in the patient's body, ...
that sidelined him for 2020 and 2021. He returned in 2022 and proceeded to win 18 games with a sub-2.00 ERA on his way to leading the Astros to their second World championship. He received his third Cy Young Award that offseason, making him the first Astro to win multiple Cy Young Awards. Verlander is one of only four pitchers in Major League history to win multiple World Series championships, win multiple Cy Young Awards, throw multiple no-hitters, and earn multiple All-Star selections; the others are Hall of Famer
Sandy Koufax Sanford Koufax (; né Braun; born December 30, 1935), nicknamed "the Left Arm of God", is an American former baseball pitcher who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers from 195 ...
,
Tim Lincecum Timothy Leroy Lincecum ( ; born June 15, 1984), nicknamed "the Freak", is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played ten seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily for the San Francisco Giants. A two-time Cy Young Award ...
and former teammate
Max Scherzer Maxwell Martin Scherzer (born July 27, 1984), nicknamed "Mad Max", is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tige ...
. Additionally, Verlander is one of only two pitchers to win the four major awards of a World Series championship, an MVP Award, a Rookie of the Year Award, and a Cy Young Award, the other being
Don Newcombe Donald Newcombe (June 14, 1926 – February 19, 2019), nicknamed "Newk", was an American professional baseball pitcher who played ten non-consecutive seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He began his career in the Negro National League and en ...
; unlike Newcombe, Verlander also has multiple of two of these awards. He is currently the active leader in wins, strikeouts, and innings pitched.


Early life

Verlander played Little League at Tuckahoe Little League in
Richmond, Virginia Richmond ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital city of the Commonwealth (U.S. state), U.S. commonwealth of Virginia. Incorporated in 1742, Richmond has been an independent city (United States), independent city since 1871. ...
. Verlander's father Richard sent him to The Richmond Baseball Academy when he was young. He was able to throw an 84 mph (135 km/h)
fastball The fastball is the most common type of pitch (baseball), pitch thrown by pitchers in baseball and softball. Its distinctive feature is its high speed. "Power pitchers," such as former major leaguers Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, relied on the ...
shortly after joining the academy. His velocity plateaued at during his senior year at Goochland High School, during which he was sidetracked by
strep throat Streptococcal pharyngitis, also known as streptococcal sore throat (strep throat), is pharyngitis (an infection of the pharynx, the back of the throat) caused by ''Streptococcus pyogenes'', a Gram-positive bacteria, gram-positive, group A str ...
.Verlander makes his pitch
''
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'', August 16, 2006.


College career

Verlander's velocity increased to during his first year with Old Dominion. Verlander, a , right-handed pitcher, played for the
Old Dominion University Old Dominion University (ODU) is a Public university, public research university in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. Established in 1930 as the two-year Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary, it began by educating people with fewer ...
baseball team for three years. On May 17, 2002, he struck out a then-school record 17 batters against James Madison. In 2003, he set a school single-season record by recording 139
strikeouts In baseball or softball, a strikeout (or strike-out) occurs when a batter accumulates three strikes during a time at bat. It means the batter is out, unless the third strike is not caught by the catcher and the batter reaches first base safe ...
. In 2004, he broke his own record establishing a new
Colonial Athletic Association The Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), formerly the ECAC South Conference and the Colonial Athletic Association, is a collegiate List of NCAA conferences, athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA' ...
(CAA) record with 151 strikeouts. Verlander completed his career as the all-time strikeout leader at ODU, the CAA, and the Commonwealth of Virginia (Division I) history with 427 in innings. During his three years, he averaged 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings and his career collegiate
earned run average In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the average of earned runs allowed by a pitcher per nine innings pitched (i.e. the traditional length of a game). It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number ...
(ERA) was 2.57. He was named CAA Rookie of the Year in 2002 and earned All-CAA honors in 2003 and 2004. Verlander was named the ODU Alumni Association's Male Athlete of the Year in 2004 and was the second overall pick in the 2004 Major League Baseball draft by the
Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. One of the AL's eight chart ...
.


Professional career


Draft and minor leagues

Verlander's professional baseball career began when he was selected by the
Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. One of the AL's eight chart ...
with the second overall pick in the 2004 MLB Draft. He signed a contract on October 25, 2004. Verlander made his professional debut in 2005. He played for two of Detroit's minor league affiliates: the
Lakeland Flying Tigers The Lakeland Flying Tigers are a Minor League Baseball team of the Florida State League and the Single-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They are located in Lakeland, Florida, and play their home games at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. ...
(High-A) and the
Erie SeaWolves The Erie SeaWolves are an American professional baseball team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. They compete in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) as a member of the Eastern League's Southwest Division, serving as the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Ti ...
(Double-A), and also started two games for the Tigers in July. After posting a 9–2 record and a 1.67 ERA in 13 starts for Lakeland, Verlander joined the SeaWolves on June 20.


Detroit Tigers (2005–2017)


2005–2006: MLB debut, AL Rookie of the Year, and World Series

Verlander made his MLB debut on July 4, 2005. He went 0–2 with a 7.15 ERA in his only two starts of the season. He made the 2006 Tigers roster out of spring training. In his first full Major League season, Verlander went 17–9 with a 3.63 ERA, striking out 124 batters in 186 innings. On July 4, 2006, at
McAfee Coliseum Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, often shortened to the Oakland Coliseum, is a multi-purpose stadium in Oakland, California, United States. It serves as part of the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Complex, located next to Oakland Arena. In ...
in
Oakland, California Oakland is a city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in the U.S. state of California. It is the county seat and most populous city in Alameda County, California, Alameda County, with a population of 440,646 in 2020. A major We ...
, Verlander, Joel Zumaya, and
Fernando Rodney Fernando Rodney (born March 18, 1977) is a Dominican– American professional baseball pitcher for the Hamilton Cardinals of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL). He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers ...
each threw multiple
fastball The fastball is the most common type of pitch (baseball), pitch thrown by pitchers in baseball and softball. Its distinctive feature is its high speed. "Power pitchers," such as former major leaguers Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, relied on the ...
s over . It was the first time in MLB history that three pitchers on the same team had done so during a game. He allowed one
stolen base In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a runner advances to a base unaided by other actions and the official scorer rules that the advance should be credited to the action of the runner. The umpires determine whether the runner is safe or out ...
in 2006 and picked off seven baserunners. In 2006, he became the first rookie pitcher in the history of the game to win 10 games before the end of June and was named AL Rookie of the Year at the end of the season. During Game 1 of the
2006 World Series The 2006 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2006 season. The 102nd edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff between the American League (AL) champion Detroit Tigers and the National Lea ...
, Verlander was the Tigers starting pitcher against
Anthony Reyes Anthony Loza Reyes (born October 16, 1981) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played five seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He pitched primarily as a starting pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Indians ...
of the
St. Louis Cardinals The St. Louis Cardinals are an American professional baseball team based in St. Louis. The Cardinals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Centra ...
; it was the first instance in which two rookies faced off to start a World Series. The Tigers went on to lose the series to the Cardinals in five games.


2007–2008: First no-hitter and All-Star Game

Verlander's success continued in 2007, as he accumulated 18 wins and posted a 3.66 ERA with 183 strikeouts in innings. On June 12, Verlander recorded a
no-hitter In baseball, a no-hitter or no-hit game is a game in which a team does not record a hit (baseball), hit through conventional methods. Major League Baseball (MLB) officially defines a no-hitter as a completed game in which a team that batted in ...
against the
Milwaukee Brewers The Milwaukee Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee. The Brewers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Di ...
, striking out twelve and walking four while throwing a fastball . In 2008, Verlander lost four consecutive games before winning his first one. He led MLB in losses with 17. Overall, he finished the 2008 season with an 11–17 win-loss record and a 4.84 ERA.


2009–2010: First-time major league wins and strikeouts leader

Verlander became the first Major League starter in 24 years to load the bases with nobody out in the ninth inning or later and get out of it without allowing a run when he pulled off the feat on July 24, 2009. Then-Mariners hurler
Mike Moore Michael Moore is an American filmmaker and author. Michael Moore may also refer to: Academia * Michael G. Moore (fl. 1970s–2020s), professor of education * Michael S. Moore (academic) (fl. 1960s–2020s), American law professor * Michael Mo ...
was the last to do it, on September 16, 1985. He finished the 2009 season with a 19–9 record, an ERA of 3.45 and an MLB-leading 269 strikeouts, the most by a Tiger since
Mickey Lolich Michael Stephen Lolich (born September 12, 1940) is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a left-handed pitcher from 1963 until 1979, almost entirely for the Detroit Tigers. A three-time All-Star, ...
's 308 in 1971, while his 10.1/9 IP strikeout rate led all American League starters. His 19 wins led the majors this season. Verlander finished third in the AL
Cy Young Award The Cy Young Award is given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), one each for the American League (AL) and National League (baseball), National League (NL). The award was introduced in 1956 by Commissioner of Baseball ( ...
voting behind winner
Zack Greinke Donald Zackary Greinke ( ; born October 21, 1983) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Greinke last played for the Kansas City Royals, with whom he played across two stints, from his 2004 debut to 2010, and from 202 ...
and runner-up
Félix Hernández Félix Abraham Hernández García (born April 8, 1986), nicknamed "King Félix", is a Venezuelan-American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners from 2005 through 2019. Hernánd ...
. In the offseason, Verlander and the Tigers reached a deal for a five-year, $80 million contract extension. On July 3, Verlander earned his 10th win of the 2010 season. This marked the fourth time in five years he has had double-digit wins before the All-Star break. On September 18, Verlander beat the Chicago White Sox throwing a complete game to earn his 17th win of the season. Verlander was the first pitcher to win 17 games in four of his first five seasons since
Dwight Gooden Dwight Eugene Gooden (born November 16, 1964), nicknamed "Dr. K" and "Doc", is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Gooden pitched from 1984 to 1994 and from 1996 to 2000 for the ...
. He finished the 2010 season with an 18–9 record and a 3.37 ERA while fanning 219 batters in innings.


2011: Second no-hitter, award-winning season

On April 22, 2011, Verlander recorded his 1,000th career strikeout in a 9–3 win over the
White Sox The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The White Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division. The club plays its home games at Rate Fie ...
, becoming the 15th Tiger to do so. On May 7, he recorded his second career no-hitter against the
Toronto Blue Jays The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto. The Blue Jays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Since 1989, the team has p ...
, throwing four strikeouts, walking one batter, and throwing at a maximum speed of on the radar gun. He carried a perfect game into the eighth inning before allowing a walk to
J. P. Arencibia Jonathan Paul Arencibia (born January 5, 1986) is an American former professional baseball catcher. He is serving as the bench coach for the Syracuse Mets. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, and Ta ...
, who was the only Blue Jays batter to reach base in the game. Arencibia was erased on a double play, so Verlander faced a minimum of 27 batters for the game. He became the second Tigers pitcher since
Virgil Trucks Virgil Oliver "Fire" Trucks (April 26, 1917 – March 23, 2013) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Browns, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Athletics and New York Yankees between 1941 and 1958. He batt ...
, and the 30th pitcher in the history of baseball, to throw multiple no-hitters. On his next start, against the
Kansas City Royals The Kansas City Royals are an American professional baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The team ...
on May 13 Verlander took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before surrendering a triple. Altogether, he pitched consecutive no-hit innings which were spread over three starts. On June 14, Verlander took a no-hitter into the eighth inning. He pitched innings until he gave up a base hit to
Cleveland Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–U.S. maritime border and approximately west of the Ohio-Pennsylvania st ...
's
Orlando Cabrera Orlando Luis Cabrera Ramírez (born November 2, 1974), nicknamed "O-Cab" and "the OC", is a Colombian-American former baseball infielder. He won the 2004 World Series championship with the Boston Red Sox. He also played for the Montreal Expos ...
. Verlander ended up with a complete-game shutout, allowing two hits. In his next start on June 19, he threw another complete game allowing only a solo home run to
Ty Wigginton Ty Allen Wigginton (born October 11, 1977) is an American former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, Colorad ...
. On June 25, he recorded a career-high 14 strikeouts against
Arizona Arizona is a U.S. state, state in the Southwestern United States, Southwestern region of the United States, sharing the Four Corners region of the western United States with Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. It also borders Nevada to the nort ...
. Verlander was selected to his fourth AL All-Star team but he was unable to participate in the game due to the scheduling of his starts. On July 31, Verlander took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the
Los Angeles Angels The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles, Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, ...
before surrendering a single to
Maicer Izturis Maicer Eduardo Izturis (; born September 12, 1980) is a Venezuelan former professional baseball infielder. During his career he played for the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB ...
. He walked two and struck out nine. On August 11, Verlander won his 100th major league game against the Cleveland Indians. A victory on August 27 made Verlander the first Tiger since
Bill Gullickson William Lee Gullickson (born February 20, 1959) is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher who played professionally in Canada, the U.S. and Japan, during an 18-year professional career, of which 14 seasons were spent in MLB. MLB care ...
in 1991 to win 20 games, and the first Major League pitcher since
Curt Schilling Curtis Montague Schilling (born November 14, 1966) is an American former Major League Baseball right handed pitcher and commentator for media outlet BlazeTV. He helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series appearance in 1993 World Seri ...
in 2002 to reach 20 wins before the end of August. By the end of the season, Verlander had won the Triple Crown of pitching in the AL, leading the league in wins (24), strikeouts (250; tied for sixth most in Tigers history) and ERA (2.40).
Los Angeles Dodgers The Los Angeles Dodgers are an American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles. The Dodgers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...
left-handed pitcher
Clayton Kershaw Clayton Edward Kershaw (born March 19, 1988) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). A left-handed starting pitcher, Kershaw has spent his entire MLB career with the Dodgers s ...
had clinched the
National League National League often refers to: *National League (baseball), one of the two baseball leagues constituting Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada *National League (division), the fifth division of the English football (soccer) system ...
(NL) Triple Crown earlier in the week, making it the first season since
1924 Events January * January 12 – Gopinath Saha shoots Ernest Day, whom he has mistaken for Sir Charles Tegart, the police commissioner of Calcutta, and is arrested soon after. * January 20–January 30, 30 – Kuomintang in Ch ...
featuring a Triple Crown pitcher in both leagues. Verlander also led the AL in innings pitched (251) and win-loss percentage (.828; sixth-best in Tigers history), while posting a Major League best 0.92
WHIP A whip is a blunt weapon or implement used in a striking motion to create sound or pain. Whips can be used for flagellation against humans or animals to exert control through pain compliance or fear of pain, or be used as an audible cue thro ...
. As of , Verlander remains the most recent pitcher to have pitched 250 innings in one season. Throughout the season, he never had an outing in which he threw fewer than six innings or 100 pitches. Through 2011, Verlander had the best career strikeouts/9 innings percentage in Tigers history (8.3), and the second-best career win-loss percentage (.652; also the fourth-best percentage of all active pitchers). In 2011, Verlander received the AL Sporting News Pitcher of the Year Award, Sporting News Player of the Year Award, a
Players Choice Award The Players Choice Awards are annual Major League Baseball awards, given by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). The Players Choice Awards are given following a secret ballot by players. Four awards go to a player in each sports ...
for Player the Year and Most Outstanding American League pitcher, and a ''
USA Today ''USA Today'' (often stylized in all caps) is an American daily middle-market newspaper and news broadcasting company. Founded by Al Neuharth in 1980 and launched on September 14, 1982, the newspaper operates from Gannett's corporate headq ...
'' American League Cy Young. Verlander was named the cover athlete of '' Major League Baseball 2K12''. Verlander won both the 2011 AL
Cy Young Award The Cy Young Award is given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), one each for the American League (AL) and National League (baseball), National League (NL). The award was introduced in 1956 by Commissioner of Baseball ( ...
and the AL MVP Award. He was the first pitcher to claim an AL MVP Award since
Dennis Eckersley Dennis Lee Eckersley (born October 3, 1954), nicknamed "Eck", is an American former professional baseball pitcher and color commentator. Between 1975 and 1998, he pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, ...
in 1992, the first starting pitcher to do so since
Roger Clemens William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962), nicknamed "Rocket", is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), most notably with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees and also played ...
in 1986, and the fourth Tigers pitcher to do so in franchise history, joining
Denny McLain Dennis Dale McLain (born March 29, 1944) is an American former professional baseball player. He played for ten seasons in Major League Baseball as a right-handed pitcher, most prominently as a member of the Detroit Tigers. In 1968, McLain becam ...
(
1968 Events January–February * January 1968, January – The I'm Backing Britain, I'm Backing Britain campaign starts spontaneously. * January 5 – Prague Spring: Alexander Dubček is chosen as leader of the Communist Party of Cze ...
),
Hal Newhouser Harold Newhouser (May 20, 1921 – November 10, 1998), nicknamed "Prince Hal" and "Hurricane Hal," was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a pitcher from 1939 to 1955, most notably for the Detroit Tige ...
(
1944 Events Below, the events of World War II have the "WWII" prefix. January * January 2 – WWII: ** Free France, Free French General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny is appointed to command First Army (France), French Army B, part of the Sixt ...
, 1945), and
Willie Hernández Guillermo "Willie" Hernández Villanueva (November 14, 1954 – November 20, 2023) was a Puerto Rican baseball relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He won both the American League Cy Young Award and the American League Most Valuable Playe ...
(1984). Verlander unanimously won the 2011 AL
Cy Young Award The Cy Young Award is given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), one each for the American League (AL) and National League (baseball), National League (NL). The award was introduced in 1956 by Commissioner of Baseball ( ...
and also won the AL MVP in a much closer vote. Verlander edged out
Boston Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...
's
Jacoby Ellsbury Jacoby McCabe Ellsbury ( ; born September 11, 1983) is an American former professional baseball center fielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox from 2007 through 2013 and then played for the New York Yankees from 2 ...
, 280 points to 242 points while collecting 13 of 28 first-place votes. He became the second pitcher in baseball history after
Don Newcombe Donald Newcombe (June 14, 1926 – February 19, 2019), nicknamed "Newk", was an American professional baseball pitcher who played ten non-consecutive seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He began his career in the Negro National League and en ...
to win the Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP awards in his career.


2012: Cy Young runner-up, All-Star, and World Series

On May 18,
2012 2012 was designated as: *International Year of Cooperatives *International Year of Sustainable Energy for All Events January *January 4 – The Cicada 3301 internet hunt begins. * January 12 – Peaceful protests begin in the R ...
, Verlander took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the
Pittsburgh Pirates The Pittsburgh Pirates are an American professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh. The Pirates compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central ...
before giving up a one-out single in a 6–0 victory. It was his first career complete-game one-hitter, his 16th complete game overall, and sixth career shutout. Verlander, who struck out 12 in the game, was hitting the upper-90s and into the eighth inning. Verlander was named to the American League team roster and AL starting pitcher in the
All-Star Game An all-star game is an exhibition game that showcases the best players (the "stars") of a sports league. The exhibition is between two teams organized solely for the event, usually representing the league's teams based on region or division, bu ...
. Verlander was joined by teammates
Prince Fielder Prince Semien Fielder (born May 9, 1984) is an American former professional baseball first baseman and designated hitter, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers. He was selected in ...
and
Miguel Cabrera José Miguel Cabrera Torres (born April 18, 1983), nicknamed Miggy, is a Venezuelan former professional baseball first baseman, third baseman, and designated hitter who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins a ...
, the former voted as a starter. At the All-Star break, Verlander had a 9–5 record and a 2.58 ERA in 18 games, and was leading the AL in innings pitched (), strikeouts (128) and complete games (five). In a forgettable All-Star game, he pitched one inning and gave up five runs. Verlander finished the 2012 regular season with a 17–8 record. He ranked first in the American League in innings pitched (), strikeouts (239) and complete games (six), while also ranking second in ERA (2.64). In the 2012 ALDS against the
Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics (frequently referred to as the Oakland A's) were an American Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Oakland, California from 1968 to 2024. The Athletics were a member club of the American League (AL) American League We ...
, Verlander started Game 1 and won a 3–1 decision. In the deciding fifth game of the series, he pitched a complete-game shutout allowing four hits as the Tigers won 6–0 and advanced to the 2012 ALCS. Verlander, who struck out 11 in each of his ALDS starts became the first pitcher in MLB history to record more than 10 strikeouts in a winner-take-all postseason shutout. Verlander's 22 strikeouts in the series set a record for an ALDS. Verlander made his only appearance in the 2012 ALCS in Game 3 against the
New York Yankees The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of the Bronx. The Yankees compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Am ...
. He earned a 2–1 win, blanking the Yankees hitters on two hits through eight innings before surrendering a leadoff home run in the ninth inning to
Eduardo Núñez Eduardo Michelle Núñez Méndez (born June 15, 1987) is a Dominican former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and the New Y ...
. Having given up one run in the first inning of Game 1 in the ALDS, and one run in the ninth inning of Game 3 in the ALCS, Verlander recorded 24 consecutive scoreless postseason innings in between. He pitched Game 1 of the
2012 World Series The 2012 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2012 season. The 108th edition of the World Series, the series was a best-of-seven playoff between the National League (NL) champion San Francisco Giants and th ...
against the
San Francisco Giants The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...
and gave up five earned runs in four innings pitched, including giving up two home runs to eventual World Series MVP
Pablo Sandoval Pablo Emilio Sandoval Reyes (born August 11, 1986) is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball third baseman for the Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He has previously played in Major League Baseball ...
as the Tigers were swept in the Series. Verlander finished second to David Price of the
Tampa Bay Rays The Tampa Bay Rays are an American professional baseball team based in the Tampa Bay area. The Rays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. They are one of two major ...
in a close AL Cy Young Award race. Verlander collected 149 points (12 first-place votes) to Price's 153 points (13 first-place votes). Verlander won (tie with David Price) his second consecutive AL
Sporting News Pitcher of the Year Award Sporting may refer to: *Sport, recreational games and play *Sporting (neighborhood), in Alexandria, Egypt Sports clubs * Alexandria Sporting Club, a sports club from Alexandria, Egypt * BFA Sporting, a football club from Beirut, Lebanon * Real Spo ...
.


2013

Prior to the 2013 season, Verlander and the Tigers reached an agreement on a seven-year, $180 million contract, with a $22 million vesting option for 2020 if he finishes in the top five in Cy Young Award voting in 2019. This contract made him the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history. Verlander made his sixth-consecutive
Opening Day Opening Day is the day on which professional baseball leagues begin their regular season. For Major League Baseball (MLB) and most of the American minor leagues, this day typically falls during the first week of April, although in recent year ...
start for the Tigers against the
Minnesota Twins The Minnesota Twins are an American professional baseball team based in Minneapolis. The Twins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The team is named afte ...
at
Target Field Target Field is a baseball stadium in the North Loop, Minneapolis, historic warehouse district of downtown Minneapolis. Since its opening in 2010, the stadium has been the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Minnesota Twins. It is named for Tar ...
in
Minneapolis Minneapolis is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, and its county seat. With a population of 429,954 as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the state's List of cities in Minnesota, most populous city. Locat ...
and won 4–2. In a May 11 game against the Cleveland Indians, Verlander recorded his 1,500th career strikeout. Verlander was selected as a reserve pitcher for the American League All-Star team by his manager,
Jim Leyland James Richard Leyland (born December 15, 1944) is an American former professional baseball player, coach and manager. He serves as a special assistant to the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Leyland led the Florida Marlins to t ...
who managed the 2013 AL team. It was Verlander's sixth All-Star selection, but due to him starting a game on July 14 for the Tigers, he was declared unavailable for the July 16 All-Star game. Entering the All-Star break, Verlander had a 10–6 record, 125 strikeouts and a 3.50 ERA. Verlander finished the 2013 regular season with a 13–12 record, a 3.46 ERA, and 217 strikeouts. His innings pitched were the lowest total since his 2008 season. In Game 2 of the 2013 ALDS, Verlander struck out eleven
Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics (frequently referred to as the Oakland A's) were an American Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Oakland, California from 1968 to 2024. The Athletics were a member club of the American League (AL) American League We ...
hitters in seven shutout innings. Verlander did not get the win as the Tigers lost the game, 1–0, in the bottom of the ninth inning. In Game 5 of the same series, Verlander pitched eight shutout innings with ten strikeouts in a 3–0 victory and taking a no-hitter into the 7th inning. The win sent the Tigers to the
American League Championship Series The American League Championship Series (ALCS) is a best-of-seven playoff and one of two League Championship Series comprising the penultimate round of Major League Baseball's (MLB) postseason. The winner of the ALCS wins the AL pennant and ...
for the third consecutive year. Verlander defeated the Athletics in Game 5 of the ALDS for the second straight season and is one of four starting pitchers in Major League history to have multiple wins in elimination postseason games, joining
Bob Gibson Robert Gibson (November 9, 1935October 2, 2020), nicknamed "Gibby" and "Hoot", was an American baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1959 to 1975. Known for his fiercely competi ...
,
Chris Carpenter Christopher John Carpenter (born April 27, 1975) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals from 1997 to 2012. A Cy Young Award wi ...
, and
Matt Cain Matthew Thomas Cain (born October 1, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career for the San Francisco Giants from 2005 to 2017. A three-time World Series champion and a thr ...
.Did you know? ALDS Game 5: DET 3, OAK 0
''
MLB Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...
'', on October 11, 2013.
Verlander has thrown 30 consecutive scoreless innings in the postseason against the Athletics, a major league record for a pitcher versus one team surpassing
Christy Mathewson Christopher Mathewson (August 12, 1880 – October 7, 1925), nicknamed "Big Six," "the Christian Gentleman," "Matty," and "the Gentleman's Hurler," was an American professional baseball pitcher who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball for ...
's 28 scoreless innings against the
Philadelphia Athletics The Philadelphia Athletics were a Major League Baseball team that played in Philadelphia from 1901 to 1954, when they moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and became the Kansas City Athletics. Following another move in 1967, they became the Oakland ...
from 1905 to 1911. Verlander is the second pitcher in Major League history with ten or more strikeouts and no runs allowed in back-to-back postseason games, joining
Sandy Koufax Sanford Koufax (; né Braun; born December 30, 1935), nicknamed "the Left Arm of God", is an American former baseball pitcher who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers from 195 ...
in Games 5 and 7 of the
1965 World Series The 1965 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 1965 season. The 62nd edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff that matched the National League champion Los Angeles Dodgers against the Amer ...
. In Game 3 of the ALCS against the
Boston Red Sox The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...
, Verlander threw scoreless innings (running his 2013 postseason scoreless streak to innings) before surrendering a solo home run to
Mike Napoli Michael Anthony Napoli (born October 31, 1981) is an American former professional baseball first baseman and catcher who is currently serving as a staff assistant for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was selected in the 1 ...
in the seventh. Despite giving up only that one run and striking out ten batters in eight innings, Verlander lost a 1–0 decision. It was Verlander's sixth career postseason game with ten or more strikeouts, more than any other pitcher in MLB postseason history. The eventual World Series champ Red Sox eliminated the Tigers in six ALCS games. In the 2013 postseason, Verlander was 1–1 with a 0.39 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 23 postseason innings; two of his starts involved the Tigers scoring no runs of offense.


2014

On January 9, 2014, Verlander underwent core muscle surgery. The Tigers projected that Verlander might miss Opening Day in the aftermath of his surgery but he eventually recovered just in time for when pitchers and catchers reported to training camp in February 2014. On March 16, Tiger manager
Brad Ausmus Bradley David Ausmus (; born April 14, 1969) is an American former professional baseball player, manager and current coach. He is the bench coach for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). In his 18-year MLB playing career, Ausmus ...
announced that Verlander would make his seventh consecutive opening-day start on March 31. On April 12, Verlander got the first two hits of his major league career during a 6–2 road win over the
San Diego Padres The San Diego Padres are an American professional baseball team based in San Diego. The Padres compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Division. ...
. This snapped a career 0-for-26 string. Verlander struggled in the first half of 2014. His
strikeouts In baseball or softball, a strikeout (or strike-out) occurs when a batter accumulates three strikes during a time at bat. It means the batter is out, unless the third strike is not caught by the catcher and the batter reaches first base safe ...
were down to 6.8 per nine
innings pitched In baseball, the statistic innings pitched (IP) is the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of Batter (baseball), batters and baserunners that have been put out while the pitcher is on the Baseball field#Pitcher's mou ...
, as opposed to an average of 9.2 over the last five years. His ERA and WHIP in the season's first half were also elevated to 4.71 and 1.49 respectively. Verlander was not named to the AL All-Star team for the first time since 2008 snapping a streak of five straight appearances. On August 11, in a game against the
Pittsburgh Pirates The Pittsburgh Pirates are an American professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh. The Pirates compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central ...
, Verlander allowed five runs, four earned, on four hits in only one inning. Verlander left the game with right shoulder soreness in the shortest outing of his career. His previous shortest outing was innings in 2008. Verlander would miss his next start, the first time that had occurred in his career. Verlander fared somewhat better in the second half of 2014. His season ERA and WHIP dropped to 4.54 and 1.398, respectively. He won his final three decisions to finish with a 15–12 record, and the Tigers won the game in 6 of his last 8 starts. His strikeout rate remained low, however finishing with 159 strikeouts and a 6.9 K/9 IP rate, both the lowest since his 2006 rookie season. He mentioned in 2018 that he had not fully recovered from the core surgery during the 2014 season, contributing to production inferior to his career norms.


2015

Verlander started the 2015 season on the
disabled list In Major League Baseball (MLB), the injured list (IL) is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players. Before the 2019 Major League Baseball season, 2019 season, it was known as the disabl ...
due to a right triceps strain, ending his streak of seven consecutive Opening Day starts for the Tigers. This marked the first time Verlander had been placed on the DL in his major league career, following 298 career starts and 1,978 innings pitched. Verlander has thrown more pitches than any other pitcher since his rookie season in 2006, with 32,535 pitches in the regular season, and 1,688 pitches in the postseason. On May 31, Verlander was sent to the Triple-A
Toledo Mud Hens The Toledo Mud Hens are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They are located in Toledo, Ohio, and play their home games at Fifth Third Field. A baseball team nicknamed the ...
for a rehab assignment. It was his first time ever pitching for the Mud Hens having gone straight from Double-A to the major leagues in 2005. He threw 79 pitches, 50 for strikes, allowing six hits and two walks in innings. He fared better in his second rehab start on June 6, lasting innings and throwing 93 pitches (69 for strikes). He gave up just one unearned run on four hits and no walks while striking out nine batters. Verlander made his season debut with the Tigers on June 13 against the Cleveland Indians. He pitched five innings, giving up two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two. He left the game with a 3–2 lead but got a no-decision as the Indians came back against the Tiger bullpen to win the game. In his next start on June 19, Verlander gave up
Alex Rodriguez Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez (born July 27, 1975), nicknamed "A-Rod", is an American former professional baseball shortstop, third baseman and designated hitter and current businessman. Rodriguez played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (ML ...
's 3,000th career hit, a home run. On August 26, Verlander came within three outs of his third career no-hitter before allowing a double to
Chris Iannetta Christopher Domenic Iannetta (, ; born April 8, 1983) is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Seattle Mariners, and Arizona Diamondbac ...
, the first batter in the ninth inning. He finished the game with one hit, two walks, and nine strikeouts in a 5–0 victory over the
Los Angeles Angels The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles, Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, ...
. This was his seventh career complete-game shutout and second career complete-game one-hitter. Verlander finished 2015 with a 5–8 record in 20 starts, but his other stats were a considerable improvement over the previous season. He had a 3.38 ERA and 1.088 WHIP. His walk rate dropped to 2.2 while his strikeout rate inched back up to 7.6.


2016: Cy Young runner-up, American League strikeout leader and 2,000 career strikeouts

On May 8, Verlander recorded his 1,981st strikeout in his Tiger career, surpassing
Jack Morris John Scott Morris (born May 16, 1955) is an American former professional baseball starting pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers. Morris won 254 games throughout his career. Arme ...
for second place on the list of all-time Tiger strikeout leaders. He only trails
Mickey Lolich Michael Stephen Lolich (born September 12, 1940) is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a left-handed pitcher from 1963 until 1979, almost entirely for the Detroit Tigers. A three-time All-Star, ...
who had 2,679 strikeouts as a Tiger. On May 18, Verlander fanned Eddie Rosario of the Twins for his 2,000th career strikeout, becoming just the second Tigers pitcher to reach the milestone following Lolich. Verlander went into the 2016 All-Star break with an 8–6 record, 4.07 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 120 strikeouts in innings (9.2 K/9). Verlander was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for July. He was 4–0 with a 1.69 ERA in six July starts, holding opposing hitters to a .171 average, and striking out 48 batters in innings. Among qualifying starters in the AL (minimum 28.0 innings pitched), Verlander finished July first in strikeouts, tied for first in innings pitched, third in ERA, and tied for third in wins. Verlander allowed just 26 hits in his July innings and had a 0.891 WHIP. On September 27, Verlander struck out 12 Cleveland Indians batters to give him a career-high eight games this season in which he totaled 10 or more strikeouts. Verlander was among the best starters in the majors after the 2016 All-Star Break. From July 15 on, Verlander compiled an 8–3 record, 1.96 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 134 strikeouts in innings. In his three losses, the Tigers scored a total of two runs. On October 2, Verlander would also be the last pitcher to issue a four-pitch
intentional walk In baseball, an intentional base on balls, usually referred to as an intentional walk and denoted in baseball scorekeeping by ''IBB'', is a walk issued to a batter by a pitcher with the intent of removing the batter's opportunity to swing at the ...
(as the following season a rule change was implemented to have the manager simply signal to the umpire to issue one), intentionally walking
Nick Markakis Nicholas William Markakis ( ) (born November 17, 1983) is an American former professional baseball right fielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 15 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves. Markakis was the Orioles' fir ...
of the
Atlanta Braves The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Eas ...
. Verlander finished the 2016 season with a 16–9 record while recording 254 strikeouts to lead the American League for the fourth time in his career. He also finished first in the AL with a 1.00 WHIP, and his 3.04 ERA ranked second. His strikeout rate of 10.0 per 9 IP was the second-best of his career, trailing only the 10.1/9 rate posted in 2009. His 4.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio was a career-best and a Tiger record for a season, eclipsing the 4.44 mark set by
Denny McLain Dennis Dale McLain (born March 29, 1944) is an American former professional baseball player. He played for ten seasons in Major League Baseball as a right-handed pitcher, most prominently as a member of the Detroit Tigers. In 1968, McLain becam ...
in the 1968 season. Verlander joined
Nolan Ryan Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr. (born January 31, 1947), nicknamed "the Ryan Express", is an American former professional baseball pitcher and sports executive. Over a record 27-year playing career in Major League Baseball (MLB), Ryan pitched for the New Yo ...
and
Roger Clemens William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962), nicknamed "Rocket", is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), most notably with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees and also played ...
as the only three American League pitchers in history to strike out 250 or more batters in a season after turning 33 years old. Verlander's 26
quality start In baseball, a quality start (QS) is a statistic for a starting pitcher defined as a game in which the pitcher completes at least six innings and permits no more than three earned runs. The quality start was developed by sportswriter John Lowe in ...
s were tied for the AL lead (with former Tiger
Rick Porcello Frederick Alfred Porcello III (born December 27, 1988) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets. Selected by the Tigers in the 2007 ML ...
). He threw 3,668 pitches, more than any other major league pitcher.Major League Leaderboards » 2016 » Pitchers » Batted Ball Statistics , FanGraphs Baseball
/ref> Following the season, Verlander was named a
Gold Glove Award The Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to as simply the Gold Glove, is the award given annually to the Major League Baseball (MLB) players judged to have exhibited superior individual Fielding (baseball), fielding performances. It is awar ...
finalist at pitcher, along with R. A. Dickey and
Dallas Keuchel Dallas Keuchel (, ; born January 1, 1988) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, T ...
. Verlander's five Defensive Runs Saved tied him for fourth among AL pitchers, as did his 29 assists. His 6.61 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) led all AL pitchers. Verlander won his third Tiger of the Year award, as awarded by the Detroit Chapter of the BBWAA. Following the season, Verlander was announced by the BBWAA as a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award, along with
Corey Kluber Corey Scott Kluber (born April 10, 1986) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. He made his MLB ...
and former teammate
Rick Porcello Frederick Alfred Porcello III (born December 27, 1988) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets. Selected by the Tigers in the 2007 ML ...
. Verlander finished second in Cy Young voting, losing to Porcello by five points, 132–137 in what was the second-closest vote in history (to the 2012 AL Cy Young race Verlander lost). Verlander received 14 first-place votes, to Porcello's eight first-place votes, but Verlander was left off two ballots. It marked the third time in history and first in the AL that a pitcher won the Cy Young Award without receiving the most first-place votes.


2017

In a win over the
Chicago White Sox The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The White Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The club plays its ...
on April 4, 2017, Verlander tied a franchise record for the most strikeouts on Opening Day with ten, becoming the first Tigers player to do so since
Mickey Lolich Michael Stephen Lolich (born September 12, 1940) is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a left-handed pitcher from 1963 until 1979, almost entirely for the Detroit Tigers. A three-time All-Star, ...
in 1970. In his 51st plate appearance in interleague play, Verlander recorded his first career
run batted in A run batted in or runs batted in (RBI) is a statistic in baseball and softball that credits a batter for making a play that allows a run to be scored (except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play). For example, if th ...
(RBI) in an August 30 game against the
Colorado Rockies The Colorado Rockies are an American professional baseball team based in Denver. The Rockies compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Division. Th ...
which was also his last game as a Tiger.


Houston Astros (2017–2022)


Rest of 2017: ALCS MVP, World Series championship

Seconds before the waiver trade deadline on August 31, the Tigers sent Verlander to the
Houston Astros The Houston Astros are an American professional baseball team based in Houston. The Astros compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, West Division. They are one of two major leag ...
for prospects
Franklin Pérez Franklin Eduardo Pérez Montoya (born December 6, 1997) is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the Gary SouthShore RailCats of the American Association of Professional Baseball. Career Houston Astros Pérez signed with the Houston As ...
,
Jake Rogers Jake Rogers may refer to: * Jake Rogers (baseball) (born 1995), American baseball player * Jake Rogers (footballer) (born 2005), Australian rules footballer * Jake Wesley Rogers (born 1996), American musician {{hndis, Rogers, Jake ...
, and
Daz Cameron Dazmon Jaroid Cameron (born January 15, 1997) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Detroit Tigers and Oakland Athletics. Cameron attende ...
. Verlander won his Astros debut on September 5 against the
Seattle Mariners The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle. The Mariners compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, West Division. The team joined the American ...
, giving up one run and striking out seven over six innings. He started and won the
AL West The American League West is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions. The division has five teams as of the 2013 season, but had four teams from 1994 to 2012, and had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams cu ...
division-clinching game for the Astros on September 17, allowing one run and striking out ten Mariners batters over seven innings. He won all five of his regular season starts with Houston, posting a 1.06 ERA and 0.65 WHIP in those games. The Astros chose to skip Verlander's final scheduled start on Sunday, October 1 and have him start the first game of the ALDS. As a result, Verlander finished the 2017 regular season with a 15–8 record, 3.36 ERA, 1.175 WHIP, and 219 strikeouts in 206 innings. He threw 3,531 pitches, more than any other major league pitcher for the second consecutive year. After a couple of injury-riddled seasons, many believed Verlander had lost the fastball velocity to which most fans had grown accustomed. However, his velocity soared back up to an average of 95.3 in his 2017 campaign, four miles per hour faster than his average in 2014 (91.2), and three miles per hour faster than his average in 2015 (92.3). He also hit triple digits on the radar gun in 2017 for the first time since his 2013 season. Verlander won two games in the Astros' 3-games-to-1 ALDS triumph over the
Boston Red Sox The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...
. He started and won Game 1, and picked up the second win with innings of relief in the clinching Game 4. On October 14, he started Game 2 of the ALCS versus the
Yankees The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the New York City borough of the Bronx. The Yankees compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division. They are one ...
, throwing a 13-strikeout, 2–1 complete game victory. The Astros won the game on a ninth-inning walk-off double by shortstop
Carlos Correa Carlos Javier Correa Oppenheimer Jr. (born September 22, 1994) is a Puerto Rican professional baseball shortstop for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Houston Astros, who selected him f ...
that drove home second baseman
Jose Altuve Jose Carlos Altuve (; born May 6, 1990) is a Venezuelan professional baseball second baseman for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). Having played for the Astros since 2011, he is the longest-tenured current member of the team, an ...
. With the Astros facing elimination in Game 6 of the ALCS, Verlander pitched seven shutout innings in a 7–1 victory over the Yankees. The Astros went on to defeat the Yankees in Game 7, allowing them to advance to the World Series for the second time in franchise history. During the ALCS, Verlander went 2–0, with a 0.56 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 16 innings pitched. Following his outstanding performance, he was named the ALCS MVP. Verlander received a no-decision in Game 2 of the
World Series The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB). It has been contested since between the champion teams of the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The winning team, determined through a best- ...
against the
Los Angeles Dodgers The Los Angeles Dodgers are an American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles. The Dodgers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...
, the third time he participated in a World Series. He allowed only two hits in six innings, but both hits were home runs and he left the game with the Astros trailing 3–1. The Astros eventually won the game 7–6 in 11 innings. With a chance to clinch the series in Game 6, Verlander gave up three hits and two runs while striking out nine batters in six innings, but was tagged with the loss in a 3–1 final. It was the first time in his career that Verlander failed to win a series-clinching game in the postseason, having gone 3–0 in his three previous chances. It was also his first loss as a member of the Astros. The Astros defeated the Dodgers the next night in Game 7, giving Verlander his first World Series championship. For the 2017 postseason, Verlander made six appearances and five starts, being credited with a 4–1 record, and gaining a 2.21 ERA, .177
batting average against In baseball statistics, batting average against (denoted by BAA or AVG), also known as opponents' batting average (denoted by OBA), is a statistic that measures a pitcher's ability to prevent hits during official at bats. It can alternatively be ...
, eight walks, and 38 strikeouts in innings. Along with Jose Altuve, Verlander was also named winner of the
Babe Ruth Award The Babe Ruth Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball (MLB) player with the best performance in the postseason. The award, created in honor of Babe Ruth, was first awarded in 1949 to New York Yankee pitcher, Joe Page, the MVP of th ...
as co-MVPs of the 2017 postseason.


2018: 200 career wins, 2,500 strikeouts, Cy Young runner-up

On March 5,
2018 Events January * January 1 – Bulgaria takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, after the Estonian presidency. * January 4 – SPLM-IO rebels loyal to Chan Garang Lual start a raid against Juba, capital of ...
, Verlander was named the opening day starter for the Astros. This was his 10th career opening day start and first with Houston. He started and won on March 29 versus
Cole Hamels Colbert Michael Hamels (born December 27, 1983), nicknamed "Hollywood", is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies (2006–2015), Texas Rangers (2015–2018), Chi ...
of the Texas Rangers, pitching six shutout innings and striking out five. Unlike in previous seasons, Verlander started masterfully in 2018, leading an Astros rotation that began the season as the most dominant in the major leagues. In April, Verlander went 4–0 with a 1.36 ERA and 48 strikeouts over 40 innings. He was named the AL Player of the Week on April 17; in 15 innings over two starts that week, he struck out 20 and allowed a .100 opponents' batting average. On May 1, Verlander struck out 14
Yankees The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the New York City borough of the Bronx. The Yankees compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division. They are one ...
, tying his career high, over eight shutout innings in Houston. On May 16, Verlander threw a complete-game shutout against the
Los Angeles Angels The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles, Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, ...
for his eighth career shutout and 24th complete game. He struck out
Shohei Ohtani is a Japanese professional baseball designated hitter and pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Nicknamed "Shotime", he has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Angels and in Nippon Professional Basebal ...
in the top of the ninth inning for his 2,500th career strikeout, becoming the 33rd pitcher in Major League history to reach the milestone. He was second among active leaders in strikeouts behind
CC Sabathia Carsten Charles Sabathia Jr. (born July 21, 1980) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Yankees. Sabathia batted and th ...
. 12 games into the 2018 season, Verlander led the AL in 17 different categories, most notably: ERA (1.11), Wins (7), Innings Pitched (81.1), WAR for pitchers (3.3), WHIP (0.713), H/9 Innings (4.8) and BAA (.153). Verlander was named AL Pitcher of the Month for May, his fifth such award. In six starts, he produced a 0.86 ERA and .437 OPS against, allowed nine extra-base hits, while striking out 50 over innings. He started and ended the month by dominating the Yankees—the only lineup in baseball with an OPS over .800—with 20 strikeouts and only one run allowed in innings. On July 8, Verlander was named to his seventh
All-Star Game An all-star game is an exhibition game that showcases the best players (the "stars") of a sports league. The exhibition is between two teams organized solely for the event, usually representing the league's teams based on region or division, bu ...
, and his first with the Astros. However, Verlander made his scheduled start on the Sunday before the All-Star Game and did not pitch in the game. On August 19, Verlander went innings striking out six and giving up four earned runs in a crucial 9–4 victory over the
Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics (frequently referred to as the Oakland A's) were an American Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Oakland, California from 1968 to 2024. The Athletics were a member club of the American League (AL) American League We ...
. The win was Verlander's 200th career win, becoming the 114th pitcher (and third active pitcher) to reach the milestone, and only the 20th pitcher in Major League history to do so in 412 starts or fewer. On September 10, in his first start in Detroit since being traded, Verlander got the win while allowing two runs on six hits in seven innings pitched. He struck out 10 Tigers batters, giving him 258 strikeouts this season. Verlander and
Gerrit Cole Gerrit Alan Cole (born September 8, 1990) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros. Cole played for the bas ...
became the first teammates to strike out at least 250 batters in the same season since
Randy Johnson Randall David Johnson (born September 10, 1963), nicknamed, "the Big Unit," is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (1988–2009) for six teams, primarily the Seattle Mariners and Arizo ...
and
Curt Schilling Curtis Montague Schilling (born November 14, 1966) is an American former Major League Baseball right handed pitcher and commentator for media outlet BlazeTV. He helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series appearance in 1993 World Seri ...
in 2002. Verlander was given many standing ovations during his outing, and Comerica Park played a tribute video showing highlights of his 13 seasons as a Tiger. Verlander tied his career high of 269 strikeouts in a season with an 11-strikeout performance in a 5–4 victory over the
Arizona Diamondbacks The Arizona Diamondbacks are an American professional baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West Division. The franchise was established ...
on September 16. Verlander subsequently set a new career high the next game in a 10–5 victory over the
Los Angeles Angels The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles, Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, ...
on September 22. Verlander struck out 11 in six innings while only giving up one hit, stretching his career-high to 280 strikeouts. Verlander also helped set a new Major League record for the Astros with their 1,069th strikeout by their starters in a season, breaking the mark set by the
Cleveland Indians The Cleveland Guardians are an American professional baseball team based in Cleveland. The Guardians compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. Since , the team ...
in 2017. Verlander finished the 2018 season with a 16–9 record in 214 innings pitched and posted a 2.52 ERA with a career-high 290 strikeouts. He posted his lowest ERA since his American League MVP and Cy Young Award-winning 2011 season and led the AL in strikeouts for the fifth time in his career. Verlander also led the major leagues with a 0.902 WHIP and a 7.84 strikeouts-to-walks ratio. His 1.6-per-9 IP walk rate was the lowest of his career. He had the highest fly ball percentage among major league pitchers (51.4%). He finished the season with four straight games in which he struck out 10+ batters, giving him a career-best 13 games this season with double-digit strikeouts. In Game 1 of the ALDS, Verlander earned the win, allowing two runs in innings and striking out seven against the
Cleveland Indians The Cleveland Guardians are an American professional baseball team based in Cleveland. The Guardians compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. Since , the team ...
. The Astros earned a three-game sweep over the Indians and moved on to face the
Boston Red Sox The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...
in the
American League Championship Series The American League Championship Series (ALCS) is a best-of-seven playoff and one of two League Championship Series comprising the penultimate round of Major League Baseball's (MLB) postseason. The winner of the ALCS wins the AL pennant and ...
. Verlander started and won Game 1 of the ALCS in
Fenway Park Fenway Park is a ballpark located in Boston, Massachusetts, less than one mile from Kenmore Square. Since 1912, it has been the home field of Major League Baseball's (MLB) Boston Red Sox. While the stadium was built in 1912, it was substantia ...
, allowing two runs and two hits in six innings pitched. Verlander lost Game 5 of the ALCS with his team down three games to one, surrendering four runs in six innings. It marked the first time in his career that he lost a postseason elimination game. In the 2018 AL
Cy Young Award The Cy Young Award is given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), one each for the American League (AL) and National League (baseball), National League (NL). The award was introduced in 1956 by Commissioner of Baseball ( ...
voting announced on November 14, Verlander finished second to
Blake Snell Blake Ashton Snell (born December 4, 1992) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants ...
of the Tampa Bay Rays by 15 points (169–154). Verlander received 13 first-place votes to Snell's 17. This was Verlander's third Cy Young runner-up finish, and sixth time finishing in the top five.


2019: Third no-hitter, 3,000 strikeouts, second Cy Young award, and World Series

On March 24,
2019 This was the year in which the first known human case of COVID-19 was documented, preceding COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic which was declared by the World Health Organization the following year. Up to that point, 2019 had been described as ...
, Verlander and the Astros agreed on a two-year, $66 million contract extension to keep Verlander with Houston through the 2021 season. Verlander made his 11th career Opening Day start on March 28, earning a 5–1 victory versus reigning Cy Young Award winner
Blake Snell Blake Ashton Snell (born December 4, 1992) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants ...
and the
Tampa Bay Rays The Tampa Bay Rays are an American professional baseball team based in the Tampa Bay area. The Rays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. They are one of two major ...
. On June 1, Verlander threw eight innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts, passing
Cy Young Denton True "Cy" Young (March 29, 1867 – November 4, 1955) was an American Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher. Born in Gilmore, Ohio, he worked on his family's farm as a youth before starting his professional baseball career. Young entered t ...
on the all-time MLB strikeouts list, and finished the night with 2,809 career strikeouts. He struck out seven in his next outing against the
Seattle Mariners The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle. The Mariners compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, West Division. The team joined the American ...
on June 6 to move into the top 20 on the all-time strikeouts list, surpassing
Mike Mussina Michael Cole Mussina (born December 8, 1968), nicknamed "Moose", is an American former baseball starting pitcher who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles (1991–2000) and the New York Yankees (2001–2008). ...
's total of 2,813. In the June 12 contest versus the
Milwaukee Brewers The Milwaukee Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee. The Brewers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Di ...
Verlander struck out a career-high fifteen batters, fourteen of them swinging, over seven innings. On June 18, Verlander struck out eight
Cincinnati Reds The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. The Reds compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Divisi ...
batters to move past
Mickey Lolich Michael Stephen Lolich (born September 12, 1940) is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a left-handed pitcher from 1963 until 1979, almost entirely for the Detroit Tigers. A three-time All-Star, ...
for 19th place on the all-time strikeouts list. Verlander was named to the American League All-Star team for the eighth time in his career. At the time of the selection, Verlander had a 10–3 record, 2.86 ERA, 147 strikeouts, and an MLB-leading 0.794 WHIP. Verlander was selected as the starting pitcher for the 2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, All-Star game for the second time in his career on July 9. He pitched one inning and retired all three batters he faced, two on strikeouts. Verlander surpassed 200 strikeouts for the season on August 4, for the ninth time in his career. He joined
Nolan Ryan Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr. (born January 31, 1947), nicknamed "the Ryan Express", is an American former professional baseball pitcher and sports executive. Over a record 27-year playing career in Major League Baseball (MLB), Ryan pitched for the New Yo ...
,
Randy Johnson Randall David Johnson (born September 10, 1963), nicknamed, "the Big Unit," is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (1988–2009) for six teams, primarily the Seattle Mariners and Arizo ...
,
Roger Clemens William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962), nicknamed "Rocket", is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), most notably with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees and also played ...
, Tom Seaver, Pedro Martinez, and
Bob Gibson Robert Gibson (November 9, 1935October 2, 2020), nicknamed "Gibby" and "Hoot", was an American baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1959 to 1975. Known for his fiercely competi ...
as the only pitchers with nine or more seasons of 200+ strikeouts. On August 16, Verlander struck out 11 batters against the 2019 Oakland Athletics season, Oakland A's. It was his sixth consecutive start with 10+ strikeouts, setting an Astros franchise record and becoming the first pitcher to achieve this since
Max Scherzer Maxwell Martin Scherzer (born July 27, 1984), nicknamed "Mad Max", is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tige ...
and Chris Sale in 2017. In combination with his prior start against the 2019 Baltimore Orioles season, Baltimore Orioles on August 11, Verlander now has more strikeouts than innings pitched in his career. On August 21, Verlander lost to the Detroit Tigers, 2–1, despite allowing no walks and only two hits, both of them solo home runs, over nine innings. He is the only pitcher other than Mike Mussina in 1998 known to have pitched a complete game loss without ever throwing a pitch with a runner on base. Verlander also had 11 strikeouts in the game, the seventh straight game in which he recorded double-digit strikeouts. On September 1, in a road game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Verlander threw his third career no-hitter. He allowed one base-runner, a walk to Cavan Biggio in the first inning, and struck out 14 batters. The Astros' only runs came on a two-run home run by Abraham Toro in the top of the ninth inning. This was Verlander's second career no-hitter against the Blue Jays making him just the third pitcher of the modern era to no-hit the same team twice, and the first to pitch both no-hitters against the same team on the road. He is the sixth pitcher ever to throw three or more no-hitters in their career. He continued his dominance into his next start, setting an Astros franchise record on September 7 for consecutive batters retired in a row, at 32. Teammate Ryan Pressly tied this record in 2022. On September 28, in his final start of the 2019 regular season, Verlander struck out Kole Calhoun in the bottom of the 4th inning against the 2019 Los Angeles Angels season, Los Angeles Angels for his 3,000th career strikeout becoming the 18th pitcher in history to strike out 3,000 hitters. Verlander struck Calhoun out again in the bottom of the 6th for his 300th strikeout of the season, a new career-high, becoming the second player in Major League history after
Randy Johnson Randall David Johnson (born September 10, 1963), nicknamed, "the Big Unit," is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (1988–2009) for six teams, primarily the Seattle Mariners and Arizo ...
to achieve his first 300 strikeout season in the same game as recording a 3,000th career strikeout. Verlander and teammate
Gerrit Cole Gerrit Alan Cole (born September 8, 1990) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros. Cole played for the bas ...
became the first pair of starting pitchers to strike out 300+ hitters in the same season since Randy Johnson and
Curt Schilling Curtis Montague Schilling (born November 14, 1966) is an American former Major League Baseball right handed pitcher and commentator for media outlet BlazeTV. He helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series appearance in 1993 World Seri ...
achieved the feat in 2002 for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Verlander finished the 2019 season 21–6 with 300 strikeouts and a 2.58 ERA in 223 innings pitched. He finished first in MLB in innings pitched and games started for the fourth time in his career, first in wins for the third time in his career, and first in WHIP for the third time in his career. His 0.803 WHIP was the lowest in a major league season since Pedro Martínez posted a 0.737 WHIP in 2000 Major League Baseball season, 2000. Verlander also led the American League with a 7.14 strikeouts-to-walks ratio. He was also first in MLB in WAR for pitchers (7.8) and lowest hits per nine innings (5.529). Batters hit .171 against him, the lowest average in the major leagues, and his left on-base percentage of 88.4% was also best in the majors. He allowed the highest fly ball percentage of all major league pitchers (45.2%), which contributed to a career-high 36 home runs allowed. During the top of the second inning of game 2 of the 2019 World Series, Verlander recorded the 200th postseason strikeout of his career setting a new major league record and surpassing the previous record of 199 set by John Smoltz. He finished the game with six strikeouts, seven hits and four earned runs in six innings in a 12–3 loss to the 2019 Washington Nationals season, Washington Nationals. With the loss, he became the first pitcher in major league history to lose his first five World Series decisions. On November 12, 2019, Verlander won his second Cy Young Award, receiving 171 points and 17 of 30 first-place votes to top teammate Gerrit Cole (159 points, 13 first-place votes). It was also the first time he received the award while playing for the Houston Astros.


2020–2021: Elbow surgery and recovery

On March 17, 2020 Houston Astros season, 2020, Verlander underwent surgery on his right groin that required six weeks to recover. At around the same time, the season was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Verlander made his 12th career opening day start on July 24, 2020, earning the win after striking out seven and giving up two runs through six innings. This was the Astros' eighth straight win on Opening Day, having won every Opening Day game since their move to the
AL West The American League West is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions. The division has five teams as of the 2013 season, but had four teams from 1994 to 2012, and had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams cu ...
in 2013. On July 26, 2020, it was reported that Verlander would be shut down with a forearm strain. On September 19, Verlander confirmed via his Instagram account that he would undergo Tommy John surgery and would miss the remainder of the 2020 season plus all of the 2021 season, which kept him sidelined through the end of his contract extension with the Astros. Verlander underwent the procedure on September 30, 2020. On February 27, 2021 Houston Astros season, 2021, the Astros placed Verlander on the 60-day injured list as he continued to recover from Tommy John surgery. He missed the entire 2021 season. On December 13, 2021, Verlander signed a one-year contract with the Astros, containing an option for a second season.


2022: Comeback, third Cy Young, and second World Series Championship

Having not recorded a statistic in 2021, Verlander made his way back on April 9, 2022 Houston Astros season, 2022, against the 2022 Los Angeles Angels season, Los Angeles Angels, for the first time since Opening Day 2020. Verlander struck out seven and allowed one run over five innings in a 2–0 loss. On April 16, Verlander threw eight scoreless innings against the 2022 Seattle Mariners season, Seattle Mariners in a 4–0 victory, striking out eight batters. He pitched his 3,000th career inning in the seventh, becoming the 138th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to do so (only he and
Zack Greinke Donald Zackary Greinke ( ; born October 21, 1983) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Greinke last played for the Kansas City Royals, with whom he played across two stints, from his 2004 debut to 2010, and from 202 ...
had pitched 3,000 innings among then-active players). On May 10 against the 2022 Minnesota Twins season, Minnesota Twins, Verlander took a no-hitter through seven innings until Gio Urshela ended the chance in the eighth inning. Verlander finished the game with eight innings pitched and five strikeouts, allowing the one hit for a game score of 83 and lowering his ERA to 1.55 on the season. On June 1, Verlander took a no-hitter into the seventh inning versus the 2022 Oakland Athletics season, Oakland Athletics until Elvis Andrus hit an RBI double. On June 7, Verlander became the career active strikeout leader, passing Max Scherzer, after striking out twelve hitters over seven innings pitched in a 4–1 victory over the Mariners. Verlander also passed John Smoltz on the all-time strikeout list to move up to 17th all-time with his 3,085th strikeout. Verlander earned his ninth career selection to the 2022 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, All-Star Game. He struck out ten over six innings in a 5–0 win over the A's on July 16, amounting to 3,121 career strikeouts, and moving him past
Curt Schilling Curtis Montague Schilling (born November 14, 1966) is an American former Major League Baseball right handed pitcher and commentator for media outlet BlazeTV. He helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series appearance in 1993 World Seri ...
(3,116) and
Bob Gibson Robert Gibson (November 9, 1935October 2, 2020), nicknamed "Gibby" and "Hoot", was an American baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1959 to 1975. Known for his fiercely competi ...
(3,117) for 14th place all time. As of the All-Star break, Verlander was 12–3, with a 1.89 ERA, a 0.878 WHIP and 108 strikeouts. Per Stats Perform, STATS, LLC, he became the first pitcher in history to have reached or exceeded each of the following as of an All-Star break: 2.00 ERA, 12 wins, .800 winning percentage, .200 batting average against, 0.900 WHIP, and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 5.00. On July 29, he allowed one run in innings in an 11–1 defeat of the Mariners. The 240th win of Verlander's career, it moved him into a tie with Frank Tanana for 56th all-time. On August 4, Verlander reached 130 innings to actuate the player option for the 2023 season. On August 23, 2022, Verlander threw six hitless innings and struck out ten batters in a 4–2 win against the 2022 Minnesota Twins season, Minnesota Twins. In doing so, Verlander passed Pedro Martínez on the all-time strikeout list and overtook Scherzer again as the active career leader in strikeouts. Verlander left a start versus 2022 Baltimore Orioles season, Baltimore after three innings on August 28 due to sudden right Gastrocnemius muscle, calf discomfort and was placed on the 15-day IL for what an Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI revealed to be a mild rupture of the Skeletal muscle, muscle fascia. In his return to the mound on September 16, Verlander hurled five hitless innings against the Athletics to lead the Astros to a 5–0 victory and secure a sixth consecutive 2022 Major League Baseball postseason, postseason berth. He walked one and struck out nine to extend their winning streak to six games. In his final start of the regular season on October 4, Verlander authored a 10-strikeout, no-hit performance over five innings as Houston cruised to a 10–0 win over the 2022 Philadelphia Phillies season, Philadelphia Phillies. He passed Ferguson Jenkins and Scherzer again for 12th place on the all-time strikeout list and tied Jim Deshaies (1986 Houston Astros season, 1986) for an Astros franchise record of eight consecutive strikeouts in the game. Verlander concluded his 2022 campaign with an 18–4 record, 1.75 ERA, and 185 strikeouts in 175 innings pitched. In twelve starts that followed an Astro loss, Verlander went 9–0 with a 1.11 ERA. He led all the Major Leagues in ERA, WHIP (0.829), and BAA (.186) while leading the American League in wins. He won his first ERA title since his 2011 MVP campaign while setting a career-best, and posted the lowest qualifying ERA over a non-shortened season in the AL (excluding 2020 Major League Baseball season, 2020) since Pedro Martinez's 1.74 mark in 2000 Major League Baseball season, 2000. His ERA was also the lowest achieved in history for a pitcher over the age of 39 making at least 25 starts. Following the regular season, the Houston chapter of the BBWAA recognized Verlander as the Houston Astros' Pitcher of the Year, the third time he had won the award, and third in three full seasons with the club. He was selected for a third Players Choice Award for AL Outstanding Pitcher, and first for AL Comeback Player. In Game 1 of the 2022 American League Championship Series, 2022 ALCS, Verlander struck out eleven over six innings in a 4–2 win versus the 2022 New York Yankees season, New York Yankees. His eighth double-digit strikeout effort in the postseason, it set a major league record. Starting in the third inning, he struck out a postseason record-tying six consecutive hitters, repeating an achievement of his in Game 3 of the 2013 ALCS. Verlander allowed five earned runs in Game 1 of the 2022 World Series, giving him a career 6.07 ERA in World Series games, the highest among pitchers with a minimum of 30 innings pitched in the World Series. Later in Game 5 of the series, Verlander allowed one earned run over five innings pitched and also striking out six. The Astros would end up winning 3–2, giving Verlander his first career World Series win and 16th postseason win (2nd most in MLB history after passing John Smoltz); he had eight previous World Series starts without winning, posting an 0–6 record before that night, the worst record for any pitcher before winning his first World Series game. The Astros would go on to defeat the Phillies in six games giving Verlander his second World Series ring. On November 10, Verlander opted out of his player option with the Astros and became a free agent. He was awarded the Cy Young by unanimous vote on November 16, becoming the 11th pitcher in MLB history to win three Cy Young Awards. It was the second time Verlander was a unanimous choice for the award (receiving every possible first-place vote).


New York Mets (2023)

On December 7, 2022, Verlander signed a two-year, $86.7 million contract with the
New York Mets The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National ...
, with a $35 million vesting option for 2025. At a $43.3 million average annual value, the contract matched the record for highest AAV in MLB history with teammate
Max Scherzer Maxwell Martin Scherzer (born July 27, 1984), nicknamed "Mad Max", is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tige ...
's contract signed during the 2021–22 offseason. On March 30, 2023, the Mets announced that they placed Verlander on 15-day injured list with a low-grade teres major strain. The move was retroactive to March 28. On May 4, the Mets activated Verlander from the IL and made his 2023 debut against his former team, the
Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. One of the AL's eight chart ...
. On May 10, Verlander struck out seven hitters over seven innings in a 2–1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. With the win, Verlander became the 21st pitcher in MLB history to List of Major League Baseball pitchers who have beaten all 30 teams, defeat all 30 teams. On July 30, Verlander earned his 250th career win, the 49th pitcher to do so, in the Mets' 5–2 victory over the Washington Nationals, allowing one run in 513 innings in his final start as a Met. Across 16 games for the Mets, he posted a 6–5 record, a 3.15 ERA, and 81 strikeouts across 9413 innings pitched.


Return to the Houston Astros (20232024)


2023

On August 1, 2023, the Mets traded Verlander to the
Houston Astros The Houston Astros are an American professional baseball team based in Houston. The Astros compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, West Division. They are one of two major leag ...
for outfield prospects Drew Gilbert, Ryan Clifford, and cash considerations. Verlander's first start of the season at Daikin Park, Minute Maid Park, August 11 versus the
Los Angeles Angels The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles, Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, ...
, was the 500th start of his career. He became the 50th pitcher in history, joining former Astros teammate
Zack Greinke Donald Zackary Greinke ( ; born October 21, 1983) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Greinke last played for the Kansas City Royals, with whom he played across two stints, from his 2004 debut to 2010, and from 202 ...
as the only active pitchers to reach the total. On August 27, Verlander earned his 100th career win at
Comerica Park Comerica Park is a baseball stadium located in Downtown Detroit. It has been the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers since 2000, when the team left Tiger Stadium (Detroit), Tiger Stadium. History Construction Founded in 1894, t ...
against the
Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. One of the AL's eight chart ...
, becoming the 36th pitcher to win as many games in a single stadium. He faced longtime Tigers teammate
Miguel Cabrera José Miguel Cabrera Torres (born April 18, 1983), nicknamed Miggy, is a Venezuelan former professional baseball first baseman, third baseman, and designated hitter who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins a ...
for the final time, as Cabrera would retire following the season. On September 25, Verlander threw eight innings while only giving up one run and striking out eight batters in a 5–1 win over the Seattle Mariners. The Astros who were coming out of a 3–9 stretch that included series losses to the 100-loss
Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics (frequently referred to as the Oakland A's) were an American Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Oakland, California from 1968 to 2024. The Athletics were a member club of the American League (AL) American League We ...
and Kansas City Royals. On September 30, Verlander threw 5 innings of shutout ball against the Arizona Diamondbacks in a tight 1–0 victory to help the Astros clinch a playoff berth for the seventh consecutive season. Verlander struck out five batters in the game, tying him with Phil Niekro for 12th on the all-time strikeout list with 3,342. It was also the fourth time that the Astros clinched a Major League Baseball postseason, postseason berth in a Verlander start since he was traded to the team in 2017. For his efforts, Verlander was awarded his 10th career Major League Baseball Player of the Week Award, AL Player of the Week award for the week of September 25 to October 1, posting a 2–0 record with a 0.69 ERA and 13 strikeouts over 13 IP. Since the award was established in 1973, Verlander became the fourth pitcher to win as many as 10 times. Verlander made his 35th career postseason start in Game 1 of the 2023 American League Division Series#Houston vs. Minnesota, ALDS, the second most of all-time behind Andy Pettitte, throwing six shutout innings and helping lead the Astros to a 6–4 victory. It was the 6th scoreless postseason start of Verlander's career, tying him for most all-time with Madison Bumgarner and Tom Glavine.


2024

Verlander started the 2024 season on the 15-day injured list after experiencing complications with shoulder inflammation during spring training. He made his season debut on April 19, throwing six innings of two-run ball to help the Astros get a 5–3 win over the Washington Nationals. Verlander also passed Phil Niekro for 12th on the all-time strikeout list with his 3,343rd career strikeout. On May 25, 2024, Verlander struck out Abraham Toro for his 3,372nd career strikeout, passing Greg Maddux for 10th on the all-time strikeout list en route to a 6–3 victory over the
Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics (frequently referred to as the Oakland A's) were an American Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Oakland, California from 1968 to 2024. The Athletics were a member club of the American League (AL) American League We ...
. The victory was also the 260th of Verlander's career, the most of any pitcher who debuted in the 21st century. However, on June 19, he was placed on the 15-day IL due to shoulder inflammation. On August 21, Verlander made his return from the IL at home, a 4–1 loss to the
Boston Red Sox The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...
, allowing two runs over five innings and struck out six. In 17 total starts for the Astros, he compiled a 5-6 record and 5.48 ERA with 74 strikeouts across innings pitched. Following the season, Verlander became a free agent.


San Francisco Giants (2025–present)

On January 11, 2025, Verlander signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the
San Francisco Giants The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...
. On March 29 at Great American Ball Park, Verlander made his Giants debut. Facing the 2025 Cincinnati Reds season, Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, he pitched five innings, giving up six hits, allowing two runs, and walking only one batter while striking out five. However, the Reds scored the last run in the sixth innings off of San Francisco's bullpen, defeating the Giants, 3–2, and leaving Verlander with a no decision. Verlander made his San Francisco debut on April 4 at Oracle Park, in the Giants' home opener. Facing the 2025 Seattle Mariners season, Seattle Mariners, he pitched two innings, giving up five hits and walking two while striking out two. The Giants won the game after Willy Adames hit a game-winning two-run single with two outs in the bottom of the eleventh inning, defeating the Mariners, 10–9 in extra innings, and leaving Verlander with his second no decision of the season. Verlander was placed on the 15-day IL due to a right pectoral injury after the Giants' 8-4 loss to the Kansas City Royals on May 21.


International career

As a college sophomore, Verlander pitched for the United States national baseball team in 2003 and helped the US win a
silver medal A silver medal, in sports and other similar areas involving competition, is a medal made of, or plated with, silver awarded to the second-place finisher, or runner-up, of contests or competitions such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, ...
in the 2003 Pan American Games, Pan American Games in Santo Domingo. Verlander was invited to join the United States national team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, but he declined, citing his recent recovery from Tommy John surgery and World Series campaign.


Pitching style

Verlander throws four pitches: a hard four-seam fastball averaging 94–95 mph (topping out at 102), a Slider (pitch), slider in the mid-to-high 80s, a 12–6 curveball around 80, and a changeup at 85–88 mph. His four-seam fastball has an "elite" spin rate of over 2500 rpm according to Statcast, giving it a late "tailing" action that cuts inside to righties and away from lefties. He often uses his four-seam fastball up in the zone to hitters. This has allowed him to strike out more batters with that pitch than any other. His slider has evolved throughout his career. In his early years, his slider was in the mid-80s with a larger break. However, in recent years, Verlander has added velocity to his slider. This change has caused a later, sharper break that has led many to believe it is actually a Cut fastball, cutter, although Verlander has denied this on various occasions. In 2017, Verlander began to incorporate both sliders. He usually throws the slower, longer slider under the hands of lefties, and the sharper, faster slider down and away to righties. His 12–6 curveball has always been a dominant pitch that buckles hitters' knees at any point in the count. He also intentionally uses this pitch up in the zone at times to freeze hitters or throw off their timing. Since the 2016 season, Verlander has essentially become a three-pitch pitcher (fastball, slider, curveball). His changeup has been used almost exclusively against left-handed batters in recent years, and its usage has dropped considerably. The changeup accounted for 8.5 percent of his pitches in 2016, only 4 percent of his pitches in 2017, and less than 2 percent of his pitches in 2018. Verlander is known for his unusual ability to "add" and "subtract" from his fastball velocity at any point in the game, giving him the ability to throw it in the upper 90s even in the late innings of games. Since 2008, Verlander has thrown pitches of over 100+ mph in the 8th inning or later 44 times, 39 more times than James Paxton (baseball), James Paxton who is second on the list. This is despite the fact that he has thrown the most pitches in the major leagues since the beginning of the 2008 season. After a couple of injury-prone seasons, many believed Verlander had lost the velocity most fans had grown accustomed to. However, Verlander's velocity soared back up to an average of 95.3 in his 2017 campaign, 4 miles per hour faster than his average in 2014 (91.2), and three miles per hour faster than his average in 2015 (92.3). Verlander's average fastball velocity with no strikes is 94.7 mph, while with two strikes it is 97.0 mph. Due to the changing nature of how pitchers are used in baseball, Verlander is considered by many to be the last of the old-school power pitchers. He is also considered to be a higher-than-average fly ball pitcher. Throughout his career, Verlander has consistently been near or at the top of the league in innings pitched, leading the league in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2019. He has finished in the Top 10 in innings pitched 9 times (2009–13, 2016–19) and has the most 200+ innings pitched seasons of any current player with 11. His power pitching frequently leads to high strikeout totals. He is a five-time American League strikeout champion (2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2018), and led all of major league baseball in three of those five seasons (2009, 2011, and 2012). He has fanned over 3,400 batters in his career, one of only 11 pitchers in history to reach that total, and ranks 10th all-time in career strikeouts through the 2024 season.


Charity work

In 2016, Verlander started the "Wins For Warriors Foundation" for veterans of the United States Military. The "Wins For Warriors Foundation" campaign raised $246,311 to help Houston recover from Hurricane Harvey in 2017. To date, Verlander has donated over $1 million to this cause. Verlander has also supported various local Detroit charities for the impoverished as well as helping out with national efforts such as the American Red Cross, Red Cross. For his work with military veterans, Verlander was honored as one of the inaugural recipients of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award in 2013.


Personal life

Verlander grew up in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, with his parents, Richard and Kathy Verlander and a younger brother, Ben Verlander. His life experiences and the story of his development are outlined in his parents' 2012 book, ''Rocks Across the Pond: Lessons Learned, Stories Told''. His younger brother, Ben, played for the Tigers organization as an outfielder. Ben was released on June 23, 2017, and now works as a sportswriter and analyst. Verlander started dating model-actress Kate Upton in early 2014, and in 2016 the couple got engaged. In the 2014 iCloud leaks of celebrity photos, many of Verlander's personal pictures including nude pictures of both himself and Upton, as well as other women, were leaked online. On November 4, 2017, two days after he won the World Series with the Astros, the two married in a medieval church in Tuscany, Italy, overlooking the Montalcino valley. On July 14, 2018, they announced that Upton was pregnant with their first child, and their daughter was born later that year.


Awards and accolades

*List of World Series champions, 2× World Series champion (2017, 2022) *League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award, American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player (ALCS MVP) (2017) *Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award, American League Most Valuable Player (AL MVP) (2011) *3×
Cy Young Award The Cy Young Award is given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), one each for the American League (AL) and National League (baseball), National League (NL). The award was introduced in 1956 by Commissioner of Baseball ( ...
(2011—unanimous choice, 2019, 2022) *5×
American League The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the American League (AL), is the younger of two sports leagues, leagues constituting Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western L ...
Major League Baseball Pitcher of the Month Award, Pitcher of the Month (May 2009, June 2011, September 2012, July 2016, May 2018) *10× Major League Baseball Player of the Week Award, American League Player of the Week (May 22–28, 2006; June 11–17, 2007; May 2–8, 2011; June 13–19, 2011; September 12–18, 2011; September 24–30, 2012; April 9–15, 2018; September 10–16, 2018; August 26 – September 1, 2019; September 25 – October 1, 2023) *Major League Baseball Rookie of the Month Award, American League Rookie of the Month (May 2006) *Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award, American League Rookie of the Year (2006) *
Babe Ruth Award The Babe Ruth Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball (MLB) player with the best performance in the postseason. The award, created in honor of Babe Ruth, was first awarded in 1949 to New York Yankee pitcher, Joe Page, the MVP of th ...
(2017 Major League Baseball postseason, 2017) *Detroit Sports Media Association Detroit Tigers Rookie of the Year Award (2006) *3× Houston Astros Pitcher of the Year (2018, 2019, 2022) *9× Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Major League Baseball All-Star (2007, 2009–2013, 2018, 2019, 2022) *3× Players Choice Award for AL Players Choice Awards#Outstanding Pitcher, Outstanding Pitcher (2011, 2019, 2022) *Players Choice Award for AL Outstanding Rookie (2006) *Players Choice Award for Players Choice Awards#Player of the Year, Player of the Year (2011) *Players Choice Award for AL Players Choice Awards#Combeback Player of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year (2022) *3× Tiger of the Year-BBWAA-Detroit Chapter (2009, 2011, 2016) *Major League Baseball Triple Crown#Pitching Triple Crown, American League Pitching Triple Crown (2011) *7th in 2006 AL Cy Young Award, American League Cy Young Award voting (the highest of any rookie pitcher) *5th in 2007 American League Cy Young Award voting *15th in 2006 American League MVP voting (the highest of any rookie and second highest of any pitcher – Johan Santana was 7th) *Became first Tigers pitcher since
Denny McLain Dennis Dale McLain (born March 29, 1944) is an American former professional baseball player. He played for ten seasons in Major League Baseball as a right-handed pitcher, most prominently as a member of the Detroit Tigers. In 1968, McLain becam ...
in 1968 (31–6, .838) to lead the American League in winning percentage and qualify for an Earned run average, ERA title (18–6, .750) in 2007. He did it again in 2011 (24–5, .828). *Only pitcher in Major League history to win Rookie of the Year, start in a World Series game, throw a no-hitter, and be an All-Star in his first two seasons *One of only two players to win the Rookie of the Year Award, Cy Young Award, and the Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award, MVP Award; the other is
Don Newcombe Donald Newcombe (June 14, 1926 – February 19, 2019), nicknamed "Newk", was an American professional baseball pitcher who played ten non-consecutive seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He began his career in the Negro National League and en ...
*'' Major League Baseball 2K12'' cover athlete *Third in 2009 American League
Cy Young Award The Cy Young Award is given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), one each for the American League (AL) and National League (baseball), National League (NL). The award was introduced in 1956 by Commissioner of Baseball ( ...
voting *2012 AL
Cy Young Award The Cy Young Award is given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), one each for the American League (AL) and National League (baseball), National League (NL). The award was introduced in 1956 by Commissioner of Baseball ( ...
runner-up *2016 AL Cy Young Award runner-up *2018 AL Cy Young Award runner-up


See also

*Detroit Tigers award winners and league leaders • List of Detroit Tigers no-hitters, No-hitters • List of Detroit Tigers team records, Team records *Houston Astros award winners and league leaders • List of Houston Astros no-hitters, No-hitters • List of Houston Astros team records, Team records *List of Major League Baseball annual ERA leaders *List of Major League Baseball annual strikeout leaders *List of Major League Baseball annual wins leaders *List of Major League Baseball career strikeout leaders *List of Major League Baseball career WHIP leaders *List of Major League Baseball career wins leaders *List of Major League Baseball no-hitters *List of Old Dominion University alumni *Major League Baseball titles leaders *Triple Crown (baseball), Major League Baseball Triple Crown


Notes


References


Further reading

*


External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Verlander, Justin Living people 1983 births American League All-Stars American League Championship Series MVPs American League ERA champions American League Most Valuable Player Award winners American League pitching Triple Crown winners American League strikeout champions American League wins champions Baseball players at the 2003 Pan American Games Baseball players from Virginia Binghamton Rumble Ponies players Corpus Christi Hooks players Cy Young Award winners Detroit Tigers players Erie SeaWolves players Houston Astros players Lakeland Tigers players Major League Baseball pitchers Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award winners Medalists at the 2003 Pan American Games New York Mets players Old Dominion Monarchs baseball players Pan American Games silver medalists for the United States in baseball People from Goochland County, Virginia San Francisco Giants players Sugar Land Space Cowboys players Toledo Mud Hens players United States national baseball team players Upton family