History of Justin Verlander in Timeline

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Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander is a highly decorated American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Detroit Tigers. He's celebrated as one of baseball's all-time greats, boasting three Cy Young Awards, an American League MVP Award, and two World Series championships with the Houston Astros. His career also includes stints with the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants. Verlander's exceptional talent and achievements have solidified his place among the most accomplished pitchers in MLB history.

1905: Scoreless Innings Record

Justin Verlander surpassed Christy Mathewson's 28 scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Athletics from 1905 to 1911, achieving a new major league record for a pitcher versus one team with 30 consecutive scoreless innings in the postseason against the Athletics.

1911: Scoreless Innings Record

Justin Verlander surpassed Christy Mathewson's 28 scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Athletics from 1905 to 1911, achieving a new major league record for a pitcher versus one team with 30 consecutive scoreless innings in the postseason against the Athletics.

1924: Triple Crown Pitchers in Both Leagues

In 2011, Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw had clinched the National League (NL) Triple Crown earlier in the week, making it the first season since 1924 featuring a Triple Crown pitcher in both leagues.

1944: Hal Newhouser won the AL MVP Award

Hal Newhouser won the AL MVP Award in 1944.

1945: Hal Newhouser won the AL MVP Award

Hal Newhouser won the AL MVP Award in 1945.

1965: Strikeout Feat

Justin Verlander matched Sandy Koufax's feat in Games 5 and 7 of the 1965 World Series as the second pitcher in Major League history with ten or more strikeouts and no runs allowed in back-to-back postseason games.

1968: Fourth Tigers Pitcher to win the AL MVP Award.

In 2011, Justin Verlander became the fourth Tigers pitcher to win the AL MVP Award in franchise history, joining Denny McLain (1968), Hal Newhouser (1944, 1945), and Willie Hernández (1984).

1968: Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio

In 2016, Justin Verlander's 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 in the 1968 season.

1970: Franchise Record

On April 4, 2017, Justin 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 in 1970.

1971: Most Strikeouts by a Tiger Since 1971

In 2009, Justin Verlander's 269 strikeouts were the most by a Tiger since Mickey Lolich's 308 in 1971.

1973: AL Player of the Week award established

For the week of September 25 to October 1, Justin Verlander was awarded his 10th career AL Player of the Week award. Since the award was established in 1973, Verlander became the fourth pitcher to win as many as 10 times.

February 20, 1983: Justin Verlander Born

On February 20, 1983, Justin Brooks Verlander was born. He is an American professional baseball pitcher.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Willie Hernández won the AL MVP Award

Willie Hernández won the AL MVP Award in 1984.

September 16, 1985: Mike Moore Feat

September 16, 1985 was the last time the feat of loading the bases with nobody out in the ninth inning or later and getting out of it without allowing a run occurred, by then-Mariners hurler Mike Moore.

1986: Tied Jim Deshaies for Astros franchise record

In 1986, Jim Deshaies achieved a franchise record for the Houston Astros, recording eight consecutive strikeouts in a game, a feat that Justin Verlander later tied.

1986: First Starting Pitcher to Win MVP Since Roger Clemens

In 2011, Justin Verlander became the first starting pitcher to win an AL MVP Award since Roger Clemens in 1986.

1991: First Tiger Since Bill Gullickson to Win 20 Games

On August 27, 2011, a victory made Justin Verlander the first Tiger since Bill Gullickson in 1991 to win 20 games.

1992: First Pitcher to Claim AL MVP Award since Dennis Eckersley

In 2011, Justin Verlander became the first pitcher to claim an AL MVP Award since Dennis Eckersley in 1992.

2000: ERA Title

In 2000, Pedro Martinez's 1.74 mark set a record for lowest qualifying ERA over a non-shortened season in the AL.

May 17, 2002: Struck out School Record 17 Batters

On May 17, 2002, Justin Verlander struck out a then-school record 17 batters against James Madison while playing for Old Dominion University.

2002: CAA Rookie of the Year

In 2002, Justin Verlander was named CAA Rookie of the Year.

2002: Strikeout Feat

In 2002, Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling were the last teammates before Verlander and Cole to each strike out 300+ batters in the same season.

2002: First Major League Pitcher Since Curt Schilling to Reach 20 Wins Before End of August

On August 27, 2011, a victory made Justin Verlander the first Major League pitcher since Curt Schilling in 2002 to reach 20 wins before the end of August.

2003: All-CAA Honors

In 2003, Justin Verlander earned All-CAA honors.

2003: Pan American Games Silver Medal

In 2003, Justin Verlander helped lead the United States national team to a silver medal at the Pan American Games.

2003: Verlander won silver medal

In 2003, Justin Verlander pitched for the United States national baseball team and helped them win a silver medal in the Pan American Games.

2003: School Single-Season Strikeout Record

In 2003, Justin Verlander set a school single-season record by recording 139 strikeouts at Old Dominion University.

October 25, 2004: Signed contract with Detroit Tigers

On October 25, 2004, Justin Verlander signed a contract with the Detroit Tigers.

2004: CAA Strikeout Record

In 2004, Justin Verlander broke his own record and established a new Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record with 151 strikeouts.

2004: ODU Male Athlete of the Year

In 2004, Justin Verlander was named the ODU Alumni Association's Male Athlete of the Year and was the second overall pick in the 2004 Major League Baseball draft by the Detroit Tigers.

2004: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers

In 2004, the Detroit Tigers selected Justin Verlander with the second overall pick of the MLB draft.

July 4, 2005: MLB Debut

On July 4, 2005, Justin Verlander made his MLB debut. He went 0-2 with a 7.15 ERA in his only two starts of the season.

2005: MLB Debut with the Detroit Tigers

In 2005, Justin Verlander made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers.

2005: Professional Debut

Justin Verlander made his professional debut in 2005, playing for two of Detroit's minor league affiliates and starting two games for the Tigers in July.

July 4, 2006: Multiple Fastballs Over 100 mph

On July 4, 2006, Justin Verlander, Joel Zumaya, and Fernando Rodney each threw multiple fastballs over 100 mph (160 km/h). It was the first time in MLB history that three pitchers on the same team had done so during a game at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California.

2006: AL Rookie of the Year

In 2006, Justin Verlander was named the AL Rookie of the Year.

2006: Lowest Strikeout Rate Since Rookie Season

In 2014, Justin Verlander's strikeout rate was the lowest since his 2006 rookie season.

2006: Pitch Count

Since his 2006 rookie season, Justin Verlander has thrown more pitches than any other pitcher, with 32,535 pitches in the regular season and 1,688 in the postseason as of 2015.

2007: No-Hitter Against the Brewers

In 2007, Justin Verlander accumulated 18 wins and on June 12, recorded a no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers, striking out twelve and walking four while throwing a fastball 102 mph (164 km/h).

2007: First No-Hitter at Comerica Park

In 2007, Justin Verlander pitched the first no-hitter at Comerica Park.

August 22, 2008: Randy Johnson's Oldest Pitcher Record

As of August 22, 2008, Randy Johnson held the record as the oldest pitcher (44 years, 347 days) with 10+ strikeouts in a game.

2008: Led MLB in Losses

In 2008, Justin Verlander led MLB in losses with 17, finishing the season with an 11-17 record and a 4.84 ERA.

2008: Innings Pitched

In 2013, Justin Verlander's 218+1⁄3 innings pitched were the lowest total since his 2008 season.

2008: All-Star Streak Ends

In 2014, Justin Verlander was not named to the AL All-Star team for the first time since 2008, snapping a streak of five straight appearances.

2008: Verlander's fastball velocity

Since 2008, Justin Verlander has thrown pitches of over 100+ mph in the 8th inning or later 44 times, more than any other player except for James Paxton.

July 24, 2009: Loaded Bases with Nobody Out in the Ninth Inning

On July 24, 2009, Justin 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.

2009: Led AL in Wins and Strikeouts

In 2009, Justin Verlander led the American League (AL) in wins and strikeouts for the first time.

2009: Verlander leads league in innings pitched

In 2009, Justin Verlander led the league in innings pitched and became the American League strikeout champion.

2009: Second-Best Strikeout Rate

In 2016, Justin Verlander's 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.

2009: Finished Season with 19-9 Record

Justin Verlander finished the 2009 season with a 19-9 record, an ERA of 3.45 and an MLB-leading 269 strikeouts. Verlander finished third in the AL Cy Young Award voting.

2010: Contract Extension and Season Performance

In 2010, Justin Verlander and the Tigers reached a deal for a five-year, $80 million contract extension. He earned his 10th win of the season, marking the fourth time in five years he has had double-digit wins before the All-Star break, and finished the season with an 18-9 record and a 3.37 ERA.

April 22, 2011: 1,000th Career Strikeout

On April 22, 2011, Justin Verlander recorded his 1,000th career strikeout in a 9–3 win over the White Sox, becoming the 15th Tiger to do so.

2011: Most Successful Season

In 2011, Justin Verlander had his most successful season, pitching his second career no-hitter and winning the Pitching Triple Crown, the AL Cy Young Award (unanimously), the AL MVP Award, and the Sporting News Player of the Year Award.

2011: Verlander leads league in innings pitched and strikeout champion

In 2011, Justin Verlander led the league in innings pitched and became the American League strikeout champion.

2011: Awards and Recognition in 2011

In 2011, Justin Verlander received the AL Sporting News Pitcher of the Year Award, Sporting News Player of the Year Award, a Players Choice Award for Player the Year and Most Outstanding American League pitcher, and a USA Today American League Cy Young. Verlander was also named the cover athlete of "Major League Baseball 2K12".

2011: AL Cy Young and MVP Awards

In 2011, Justin Verlander won both the AL Cy Young Award and the AL MVP Award. He unanimously won the 2011 AL Cy Young Award and also won the AL MVP.

2011: Verlander won his first ERA title

In 2011, Justin Verlander won his first ERA title since his 2011 MVP campaign.

2011: Won the Triple Crown of Pitching

In 2011, Justin Verlander won the Triple Crown of pitching in the AL, leading the league in wins (24), strikeouts (250) and ERA (2.40).

May 18, 2012: Complete-Game One-Hitter

On May 18, 2012, Justin Verlander took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates before giving up a one-out single in a 6–0 victory. It was his first career complete-game one-hitter.

2012: Verlander leads league in innings pitched and strikeout champion

In 2012, Justin Verlander led the league in innings pitched and became the American League strikeout champion.

2012: ALCS Appearance

In 2012, Justin Verlander made his only appearance in the ALCS in Game 3 against the New York Yankees, earning a 2–1 win after pitching eight innings and allowing only one run. This extended his consecutive scoreless postseason innings to 24.

2012: World Series Game 1

In 2012, Justin Verlander pitched Game 1 of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants, giving up five earned runs in four innings, and the Tigers were swept in the Series.

2012: All-Star Game and Season Performance

In 2012, Justin Verlander was named to the American League All-Star team as the starting pitcher. At the All-Star break, he had a 9–5 record and a 2.58 ERA. He finished the 2012 regular season with a 17–8 record, leading the AL in innings pitched and strikeouts, and ranking second in ERA.

2012: Rocks Across the Pond: Lessons Learned, Stories Told

In 2012, Justin Verlander's parents, Richard and Kathy Verlander, published a book titled "Rocks Across the Pond: Lessons Learned, Stories Told," outlining Justin's life experiences and development.

2013: Verlander tied postseason record in ALCS

During Game 3 of the 2013 ALCS, Justin Verlander achieved a postseason record-tying six consecutive hitter strikeouts, a feat he repeated in the 2022 ALCS.

2013: Verlander formed Wins for Warriors Foundation and received Bob Feller Act of Valor Award

In 2013, Justin Verlander formed the Wins for Warriors Foundation for veterans of the United States Military, donating over $1 million to the organization. He was also honored as one of the inaugural recipients of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award.

2013: All-Star Selection

In 2013, Justin Verlander was selected as a reserve pitcher for the American League All-Star team, marking his sixth All-Star selection. However, he was unavailable for the game due to starting a game on July 14. Entering the All-Star break, Verlander had a 10–6 record and a 3.50 ERA.

2013: ALCS Game 3

In 2013, during Game 3 of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox, Justin Verlander threw 6+1⁄3 scoreless innings (running his 2013 postseason scoreless streak to 21+1⁄3 innings) before allowing a solo home run. Despite striking out ten batters in eight innings, Verlander lost a 1–0 decision.

2013: Postseason Performance

In the 2013 postseason, Justin Verlander had a 1–1 record with a 0.39 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 23 innings, although the Red Sox eliminated the Tigers in six ALCS games.

2013: Contract Extension

Prior to the 2013 season, Justin Verlander and the Tigers agreed to a seven-year, $180 million contract, making him the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history.

January 9, 2014: Core Muscle Surgery

On January 9, 2014, Justin Verlander underwent core muscle surgery, potentially causing him to miss Opening Day.

February 2014: Training Camp Recovery

After undergoing core muscle surgery in January, Justin Verlander recovered in time for pitchers and catchers to report to training camp in February 2014.

2014: Improved Second Half of Season

In 2014, Justin Verlander improved his performance in the second half of the season, lowering his ERA and WHIP. He finished with a 15–12 record.

2014: AL Central Division Championship

In 2014, Justin Verlander was a key figure in the Detroit Tigers winning their fourth consecutive AL Central division championship.

2014: Verlander's average fastball velocity

In 2014, Justin Verlander's average fastball velocity was 91.2 mph.

2014: Verlander and Kate Upton started dating

In early 2014, Justin Verlander began dating model-actress Kate Upton. In the same year, personal photos of Verlander and Upton were leaked online in the iCloud leaks of celebrity photos.

2014: First Half Struggles

Justin Verlander struggled in the first half of 2014, with lowered strikeout rates and elevated ERA and WHIP. He was also not named to the AL All-Star team, ending a streak of five straight appearances.

2015: Disabled List Placement

In 2015, Justin Verlander started the season on the disabled list due to a right triceps strain, ending his streak of seven consecutive Opening Day starts for the Tigers. This marked the first time he had been placed on the DL in his major league career.

2015: Verlander's average fastball velocity

In 2015, Justin Verlander's average fastball velocity was 92.3 mph.

2015: Near No-Hitter

On August 26, 2015, Justin Verlander came within three outs of his third career no-hitter before allowing a double to Chris Iannetta. He finished the game with one hit, two walks, and nine strikeouts in a 5–0 victory. Verlander finished 2015 with a 5–8 record, a 3.38 ERA and 1.088 WHIP.

2016: Verlander and Kate Upton engaged

In 2016, Justin Verlander and Kate Upton got engaged.

2016: Verlander became American League strikeout champion

In 2016, Justin Verlander became the American League strikeout champion.

2016: Strikeout Milestones

In 2016, Justin Verlander recorded his 1,981st strikeout in his Tiger career, surpassing Jack Morris for second place on the list of all-time Tiger strikeout leaders. He also recorded his 2,000th career strikeout, becoming just the second Tigers pitcher to reach the milestone. Going into the 2016 All-Star break with an 8–6 record.

2016: AL Pitcher of the Month and Performance

In 2016, Justin Verlander was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for July, going 4–0 with a 1.69 ERA and 48 strikeouts. 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.

2016: Season Stats and Achievements

Justin Verlander finished the 2016 season with a 16–9 record and led the American League with 254 strikeouts, for the fourth time in his career. 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 in the 1968 season.

April 4, 2017: Opening Day Strikeouts

On April 4, 2017, Justin 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 in 1970.

November 4, 2017: Verlander married Kate Upton

On November 4, 2017, Justin Verlander and Kate Upton married in Tuscany, Italy, two days after he won the World Series with the Astros.

2017: Strikeout Record

In 2017, Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole became the first teammates to strike out at least 250 batters in the same season since Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling in 2002.

2017: Traded to Astros and World Series Win

In 2017, Justin Verlander was traded to the Houston Astros, went undefeated in his first five starts, was named AL Championship Series MVP, and co-won the Babe Ruth Award as the Astros won the World Series.

2017: Verlander's fastball velocity soared back up

In Justin Verlander's 2017 campaign, his fastball velocity soared back up to an average of 95.3 mph.

2017: Astros clinch a postseason berth in a Verlander start

Since 2017, the Astros have clinched a postseason berth in a Justin Verlander start four times since he was traded to the team.

July 14, 2018: Verlander and Kate Upton announced pregnancy

On July 14, 2018, Justin Verlander and Kate Upton announced that they were expecting their first child.

2018: Verlander became American League strikeout champion

In 2018, Justin Verlander became the American League strikeout champion.

2018: 200th Career Win

In 2018, Justin Verlander earned his 200th career win.

2018: Surgery Recovery Impact

Justin Verlander mentioned in 2018 that he had not fully recovered from the core surgery during the 2014 season, impacting his performance.

2019: Third No-Hitter and Second Cy Young Award

In 2019, Justin Verlander became the sixth pitcher in MLB history to throw three career no-hitters, had his first career 300-strikeout season, and won his second Cy Young award while leading the Astros to their second pennant.

2019: Verlander leads league in innings pitched

In 2019, Justin Verlander led the league in innings pitched.

2019: Contract Vesting Option

Justin Verlander's contract with the Tigers included a $22 million vesting option for 2020 if he finishes in the top five in Cy Young Award voting in 2019.

2020: ERA Title

In 2020, Justin Verlander's ERA title was among the lowest qualifying ERA over a non-shortened season in the AL (excluding 2020) since Pedro Martinez's 1.74 mark in 2000.

2020: Missed Season Due to Injury

Justin Verlander missed most of the 2020 season due to injury.

2020: Vesting Option Year

Justin Verlander's contract with the Tigers had a $22 million vesting option for 2020 if he met certain criteria in 2019.

2020: First Game Since 2020

On April 9, 2022, Justin Verlander made his way back to the baseball field against the Los Angeles Angels for the first time since Opening Day 2020. In the game, Verlander struck out seven and allowed one run over five innings in a 2-0 loss.

2021: Max Scherzer's contract

In the 2021-22 offseason, Max Scherzer signed a contract with the highest AAV in MLB history, a record that was matched by Justin Verlander's contract with the Mets.

2021: Missed Entire Season Due to Injury

Justin Verlander missed the entire 2021 season due to injury.

August 23, 2022: Verlander passes Pedro Martínez on all-time strikeout list

On August 23, 2022, Justin Verlander threw six hitless innings with ten strikeouts in a win against the Minnesota Twins. With this performance, Verlander surpassed Pedro Martínez on the all-time strikeout list and regained the active career lead in strikeouts from Max Scherzer.

December 7, 2022: Verlander signed with the New York Mets

On December 7, 2022, Justin Verlander signed a two-year, $86.7 million contract with the New York Mets, including a $35 million vesting option for 2025. The contract matched the record for highest AAV in MLB history.

December 2022: Signed with the Mets

In December 2022, Justin Verlander signed with the New York Mets.

2022: Verlander concludes 2022 campaign

In 2022, Justin Verlander concluded his season with an 18–4 record, a 1.75 ERA, and 185 strikeouts across 175 innings. He led the Major Leagues in ERA, WHIP (0.829), and BAA (.186), and the American League in wins. His ERA was the lowest for a pitcher over 39 with at least 25 starts.

2022: Verlander won his first World Series

In the 2022 World Series, Justin Verlander allowed five earned runs in Game 1, giving him a career 6.07 ERA in World Series games. Later, in Game 5, he allowed one earned run over five innings and struck out six, securing his first career World Series win as the Astros won the series, giving Verlander his second World Series ring.

March 30, 2023: Verlander placed on injured list

On March 30, 2023, the New York Mets placed Justin Verlander on the 15-day injured list with a low-grade teres major strain, retroactive to March 28.

August 1, 2023: Verlander traded back to the Houston Astros

On August 1, 2023, the New York Mets traded Justin Verlander back to the Houston Astros for outfield prospects Drew Gilbert, Ryan Clifford, and cash considerations.

August 2023: Traded Back to the Astros

In August 2023, Justin Verlander was traded back to the Houston Astros.

2023: Verlander declined invitation to World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Justin Verlander declined an invitation to join the United States national team at the World Baseball Classic due to his recent recovery from Tommy John surgery and World Series campaign.

2023: Verlander made debut against former team and defeated all 30 teams

In 2023, Justin Verlander was activated from the IL and made his debut against his former team, the Detroit Tigers, and defeated all 30 teams in MLB history.

May 25, 2024: Verlander passed Greg Maddux for 10th on the all-time strikeout list

On May 25, 2024, Justin Verlander passed Greg Maddux for 10th on the all-time strikeout list. This victory was also the 260th of Verlander's career, the most of any pitcher who debuted in the 21st century.

2024: Verlander started the season on the injured list and passed Phil Niekro for 12th on all-time strikeout list

Justin Verlander started the 2024 season on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation during spring training. On his season debut on April 19, he passed Phil Niekro for 12th on the all-time strikeout list with his 3,343rd career strikeout.

January 11, 2025: Verlander signed with the San Francisco Giants

On January 11, 2025, Justin Verlander signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the San Francisco Giants.

January 2025: Signed with the Giants

In January 2025, Justin Verlander signed with the San Francisco Giants.

June 19, 2025: Verlander and Kate Upton welcomed their second child

On June 19, 2025, Justin Verlander and Kate Upton welcomed their second child, a baby boy.

September 2025: MLB Active Leader

As of September 2025, Justin Verlander is MLB's active leader in career wins, strikeouts, and innings pitched and is the oldest active player in Major League Baseball.

2025: Most Recent 250 Innings Pitched

As of 2025, Justin Verlander remains the most recent pitcher to have pitched 250 innings in one season, which he accomplished in 2011.

2025: Verlander's Mets contract includes vesting option

Justin Verlander's two-year contract with the New York Mets, signed on December 7, 2022, included a $35 million vesting option for 2025.

2025: Verlander career strikeouts

Through the 2025 season, Justin Verlander ranked eighth all-time in career strikeouts, with over 3,500 batters fanned.

February 10, 2026: Verlander returns to the Detroit Tigers

On February 10, 2026, Justin Verlander signed a one-year, $13 million contract to return to the Detroit Tigers.

2026: Returned to the Tigers

In 2026, Justin Verlander returned to the Detroit Tigers on a one-year contract.

2030: Deferred payments begin for Verlander's contract

Justin Verlander's contract to return to the Detroit Tigers, signed on February 10, 2026, included deferred payments of $11 million starting in 2030.