History of Justin Verlander in Timeline
Justin Verlander is an accomplished American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros. His career has seen him play for the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets as well. Hailing from Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, Verlander honed his skills at Old Dominion University, setting records in strikeouts for the Monarchs and the Colonial Athletic Association. His talent was evident early on, as he contributed to the United States national team's silver medal win at the 2003 Pan American Games.
1905: Christy Mathewson's Dominant Pitching
In 1905, Christy Mathewson set a major league record by pitching 28 consecutive scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Athletics in the postseason.
1911: Christy Mathewson's Record Holds
Christy Mathewson's record of 28 consecutive scoreless innings pitched in the postseason, set in 1905, remained unbroken until 1911.
1924: Historical Pitching Feat
The 1924 baseball season marked the last time before 2011 that both the American League and National League had a pitcher win the pitching Triple Crown.
1944: Newhouser's First AL MVP Award
Hal Newhouser secured the American League MVP Award in 1944 as a starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.
1945: Newhouser's Second AL MVP Award
Hal Newhouser earned his second consecutive American League MVP Award in 1945 as a starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.
1965: Sandy Koufax's Postseason Dominance
Sandy Koufax achieved a historic feat in the 1965 World Series by becoming the first pitcher to record ten or more strikeouts and no runs allowed in consecutive postseason games (Games 5 and 7).
1968: McLain's AL MVP Award
Denny McLain won the American League MVP Award in 1968 as a starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.
1968: Record-Breaking Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio
Verlander's 4.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2016 set a new record for the Tigers, surpassing Denny McLain's 4.44 mark set in 1968.
1970: Lolich's Opening Day Record
Mickey Lolich set a Tigers franchise record in 1970 by striking out ten batters on Opening Day, a feat that Verlander later matched.
1971: Most Strikeouts by a Tiger Since Mickey Lolich
Justin Verlander's impressive 269 strikeouts in the 2009 season surpassed all other Detroit Tigers pitchers since Mickey Lolich's remarkable 308 strikeouts in 1971, showcasing his ability to dominate hitters.
1973: AL Player of the Week Award Established
The AL Player of the Week award was established in 1973.
February 20, 1983: Birth of Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander was born on February 20, 1983, in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia.
1984: Hernández's AL MVP Award
Willie Hernández was named the American League MVP in 1984, representing the Detroit Tigers as a starting pitcher.
September 16, 1985: Previous Instance of Verlander's Feat
The previous instance of a pitcher accomplishing the same feat as Justin Verlander's bases-loaded escape without allowing a run occurred on September 16, 1985, by Mike Moore, then playing for the Seattle Mariners.
1986: Jim Deshaies Sets Astros Franchise Record
In 1986, Jim Deshaies set an Astros franchise record.
1986: Clemens' AL MVP Award
In 1986, Roger Clemens, a starting pitcher, won the American League MVP Award.
1992: Eckersley's AL MVP Award
Dennis Eckersley, a pitcher, won the American League MVP Award in 1992.
1998: Verlander's Unique Complete Game Loss
In 1998, Justin Verlander experienced an unusual complete game loss. Despite not allowing any walks and only giving up two hits, both solo home runs, over nine innings, he still lost the game. This unique occurrence solidified his place in baseball history.
2000: Pedro Martinez's Impressive ERA
In 2000, Pedro Martinez achieved an impressive ERA of 1.74.
2000: Pedro MartÃnez's Historic WHIP
In 2000, Pedro MartÃnez achieved a remarkable 0.737 WHIP, the lowest in a major league season at that time, solidifying his place as one of the game's most dominant pitchers.
May 17, 2002: School Record for Strikeouts
On May 17, 2002, while playing for Old Dominion University, Justin Verlander showcased his pitching prowess by striking out a then-school record 17 batters in a game against James Madison University.
2002: Johnson and Schilling's 300-Strikeout Season
In 2002, Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks, both achieved 300+ strikeouts in the same season, a feat that hadn't been accomplished by teammates since.
2002: CAA Rookie of the Year
Justin Verlander's exceptional talent was evident early on, as he was named the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Rookie of the Year in 2002 during his time at Old Dominion University.
2002: Teammate Strikeout Milestone Since Johnson and Schilling
In 2018, Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole achieved a rare feat by becoming the first teammates to each record at least 250 strikeouts in a single season since Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling accomplished this in 2002.
2003: Pan American Games Silver Medal
In 2003, Justin Verlander played a key role in leading the United States national baseball team to a silver medal at the Pan American Games.
2003: Verlander's International Success
In 2003, Verlander showcased his talent on the international stage while pitching for the United States national baseball team. His contributions helped the team secure a silver medal at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo.
2003: Single-Season Strikeout Record at ODU
Justin Verlander continued his dominance on the mound in 2003, setting a new single-season strikeout record at Old Dominion University with an impressive 139 strikeouts.
2003: All-CAA Honors
Justin Verlander's outstanding performance on the mound continued to earn recognition in 2003, as he received All-CAA honors, solidifying his status as one of the top pitchers in the conference.
October 25, 2004: Signing with the Detroit Tigers
On October 25, 2004, Justin Verlander officially embarked on his professional baseball journey by signing a contract with the Detroit Tigers, the team that had selected him as the second overall pick in the draft earlier that year.
2004: All-CAA Honors and ODU Male Athlete of the Year
Justin Verlander capped off his successful collegiate career in 2004 by earning All-CAA honors for the second consecutive year. His exceptional athletic achievements were further recognized when he was named the Old Dominion University Alumni Association's Male Athlete of the Year.
2004: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers
Justin Verlander's MLB journey began in 2004 when he was selected by the Detroit Tigers as the second overall pick in the draft.
2004: CAA and Virginia State Strikeout Record
In 2004, Justin Verlander etched his name in the record books once again, breaking his own strikeout record and setting a new Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record with 151 strikeouts. This achievement also marked a new strikeout record for the Commonwealth of Virginia in Division I baseball history.
July 4, 2005: MLB Debut
Justin Verlander's MLB debut took place on July 4, 2005, marking the start of his journey in the big leagues.
2005: Professional Debut in the Minor Leagues
In 2005, Justin Verlander began his professional baseball career in the minor leagues, honing his skills and preparing for the opportunity to showcase his talent at the highest level.
2005: MLB Debut with the Detroit Tigers
Justin Verlander made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2005, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.
2005: Verlander's Direct Path to the Majors
Verlander's exceptional talent allowed him to bypass pitching for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens, going straight from Double-A to the major leagues in 2005.
July 4, 2006: Historic Fastball Display
On July 4, 2006, Justin Verlander, along with teammates Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney, made MLB history by each throwing multiple fastballs over 100 mph in a single game. This remarkable feat showcased the Tigers' exceptional pitching power.
2006: Verlander's Rookie Season Performance
During his rookie season in 2006, Verlander recorded his lowest strikeout rate.
2006: First AL Pennant with the Detroit Tigers
In 2006, Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers achieved a significant milestone by winning the American League pennant, marking their first appearance in the World Series since 1984.
2006: AL Rookie of the Year
Justin Verlander's impressive rookie season in 2006 earned him the prestigious title of American League Rookie of the Year.
2006: Verlander's Pitching Consistency
Since his rookie year in 2006, Verlander had consistently thrown a large number of pitches, demonstrating his durability and commitment.
2007: First No-Hitter at Comerica Park
On June 12, 2007, Justin Verlander etched his name into Comerica Park history by throwing his first no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers, a testament to his pitching dominance.
2007: 18 Wins and Continued Success
Justin Verlander continued to excel in 2007, securing 18 wins and maintaining a solid 3.66 ERA. His performance demonstrated his consistency and ability to perform at a high level.
2008: A Challenging Season
Justin Verlander faced a challenging season in 2008, leading the MLB in losses with 17. Despite the setbacks, this experience likely served as a learning curve in his career.
2008: Verlander's Shortest Outing
Prior to August 11, 2014, Verlander's shortest outing had been 1 1/3 innings, which occurred in 2008.
2008: Verlander showcases his ability to maintain high velocity in late innings
Since 2008, Verlander has consistently demonstrated his exceptional ability to maintain high fastball velocity even in the late innings of games, throwing pitches over 100 mph on numerous occasions.
2008: Verlander's Innings Pitched
The 2008 season marked a point of comparison for Justin Verlander's innings pitched. His innings total in 2013 was his lowest since the 2008 season.
2008: Verlander's Consistent All-Star Appearances
From 2008 onwards, Verlander had been a regular fixture at the All-Star game, having made five straight appearances.
July 24, 2009: Rare Pitching Feat
On July 24, 2009, Justin Verlander accomplished a rare pitching feat by loading the bases with nobody out in the ninth inning or later and escaping the jam without allowing a run. This remarkable display of composure and skill underscored his ability to perform under pressure.
2009: Leading the Majors in Wins and Strikeouts
Justin Verlander's 2009 season was one for the record books, as he led the Major Leagues in wins and strikeouts, cementing his place as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball.
2009: Leading the AL in Wins and Strikeouts
Justin Verlander's exceptional 2009 season saw him lead the American League in both wins and strikeouts, establishing himself as one of the league's most dominant pitchers.
2009: Career-Best Strikeout Rate
Justin Verlander's strikeout rate of 10.1 per 9 IP in 2009 remains the highest of his career.
2009: Verlander leads the league in innings pitched and strikeouts
Verlander asserted his dominance in 2009 by leading the league in both innings pitched and strikeouts, establishing himself as a workhorse on the mound.
2010: Verlander's Dominant Start to the Season
In 2010, Justin Verlander signed a five-year, $80 million contract extension with the Detroit Tigers. He had a strong start to the season, achieving double-digit wins before the All-Star break for the fourth time in five years. By September 18, 2010, he had already won 17 games, becoming the first pitcher since Dwight Gooden to achieve this feat in four of his first five seasons. Verlander finished the 2010 season with an impressive 18-9 record and a 3.37 ERA.
April 22, 2011: Verlander's 1,000th Career Strikeout
On April 22, 2011, Justin Verlander achieved his 1,000th career strikeout in a game against the Chicago White Sox, becoming the 15th Detroit Tigers pitcher to reach this milestone.
2011: First AL Central Division Championship with the Tigers
Justin Verlander played a key role in the Detroit Tigers' success, contributing to their first American League Central division championship in 2011.
2011: Verlander achieves a second Triple Crown of pitching
Verlander replicated his 2009 success by leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA in 2011, securing his second Triple Crown of pitching.
2011: Verlander's Recognition and Accolades
Justin Verlander's outstanding 2011 season earned him numerous awards and recognitions. He received the AL Sporting News Pitcher of the Year Award, Sporting News Player of the Year Award, a Players Choice Award for both Player of the Year and Most Outstanding American League Pitcher, and a USA Today American League Cy Young Award. Additionally, he was featured as the cover athlete for the popular video game Major League Baseball 2K12.
2011: Verlander Wins AL Cy Young and MVP Awards
In 2011, Justin Verlander achieved a remarkable feat by winning both the AL Cy Young Award and the AL MVP Award. His Cy Young win was unanimous, a testament to his dominance throughout the season. The AL MVP race was closer, with Verlander narrowly beating out Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury. His AL MVP award marked the first time a pitcher had won since Dennis Eckersley in 1992 and the first time for a starting pitcher since Roger Clemens in 1986. He became the fourth Detroit Tigers starter to achieve this honor, joining Denny McLain (1968), Hal Newhouser (1944, 1945), and Willie Hernandez (1984). Verlander's achievements in 2011 etched his name in baseball history as only the second pitcher after Don Newcombe to win the Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP awards in his career.
2011: Verlander's Dominant 2011 Season
Justin Verlander had a career-defining year in 2011, winning both the American League MVP and the Cy Young Award. His performance in 2018, where he posted a 2.52 ERA, was his lowest since that remarkable 2011 season.
2011: Second No-Hitter and Triple Crown
In a historic 2011 season, Justin Verlander achieved numerous accolades, including his second career no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays, winning the pitching Triple Crown, and receiving the AL Cy Young Award unanimously, along with the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.
2011: Verlander Wins MVP Award
In 2011, Verlander won the MVP award.
2011: Verlander's Historic Triple Crown Season
In 2011, Justin Verlander achieved the pitching Triple Crown in the American League, leading the league in wins (24), strikeouts (250), and ERA (2.40). This accomplishment marked the first time since 1924 that both leagues had a Triple Crown pitcher in the same season. He also led the AL in innings pitched (251) and win-loss percentage (0.828), showcasing his dominance throughout the season. Notably, Verlander never had an outing in 2011 where he threw fewer than six innings or 100 pitches, a testament to his remarkable consistency.
May 18, 2012: Verlander's Near No-Hitter
On May 18, 2012, Justin Verlander came tantalizingly close to throwing a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He held the Pirates hitless until the ninth inning, surrendering a single with one out. Despite missing out on the no-hitter, he finished the game with a complete-game one-hitter, striking out 12 batters and securing his sixth career shutout.
2012: Verlander's World Series Struggles
Justin Verlander started Game 1 of the 2012 World Series for the Detroit Tigers against the eventual champions, the San Francisco Giants. Unfortunately, he struggled in this game, giving up five earned runs in four innings pitched. This included two home runs surrendered to Pablo Sandoval, who would go on to win the World Series MVP award. The Tigers were ultimately swept by the Giants in the series.
2012: Verlander leads the league in innings pitched and strikeouts for the second consecutive year
Verlander continued his dominant pitching in 2012, once again leading the league in both innings pitched and strikeouts, solidifying his reputation as one of the game's top pitchers.
2012: Second AL Pennant with the Detroit Tigers
Justin Verlander was instrumental in leading the Detroit Tigers to their second American League pennant in 2012, showcasing his pitching prowess on a big stage.
2012: Second-Closest Cy Young Vote
In 2012, Justin Verlander was in a tight race for the AL Cy Young Award but ultimately lost to Rick Porcello by a mere five points, making it the second-closest vote in history.
2012: Verlander's Strong ALCS Outing
Justin Verlander made one appearance in the 2012 American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the New York Yankees, starting Game 3. He pitched exceptionally well, holding the Yankees scoreless for eight innings while giving up only two hits. He came close to a shutout but surrendered a solo home run to Eduardo Nuñez in the ninth inning. Despite this late run, he earned the win as the Tigers won 2-1. This performance continued a streak of scoreless innings for Verlander, who had thrown 24 consecutive scoreless postseason innings between the ALDS and ALCS.
2012: Verlander's Dominant ALDS Performance
In the 2012 American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Oakland Athletics, Justin Verlander played a crucial role in the Detroit Tigers' success. He started Game 1, leading the Tigers to a 3-1 victory. In the decisive Game 5, he delivered a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits and striking out 11 batters as the Tigers won 6-0 to advance to the American League Championship Series (ALCS). His back-to-back 11-strikeout games in the ALDS set a new MLB record for a winner-take-all postseason shutout. Moreover, his 22 strikeouts across the entire series established a new ALDS record.
2012: Publication of "Rocks Across the Pond: Lessons Learned, Stories Told"
In 2012, Richard and Kathy Verlander, Justin's parents, authored and published the book "Rocks Across the Pond: Lessons Learned, Stories Told." The book delves into Justin Verlander's formative years and the path he traversed to achieve success in baseball.
2012: Verlander's All-Star Selection and Season Performance
In 2012, Justin Verlander was selected to his sixth All-Star Game, representing the American League. However, he was unable to participate in the game due to starting a game for the Tigers on July 14, just two days before the All-Star game on July 16. Despite this, he was having another impressive season. At the All-Star break, he boasted a 9-5 record, a 2.58 ERA, and led the American League in innings pitched (132.2), strikeouts (128), and complete games (five). Despite a forgettable All-Star Game outing where he gave up five runs in one inning, he finished the season strong with a 17-8 record. He once again demonstrated his durability and pitching prowess, finishing first in the AL in innings pitched (238.1), strikeouts (239), and complete games (six). Additionally, he finished second in the AL with a 2.64 ERA.
2013: Verlander Signs Record-Breaking Contract
Before the start of the 2013 season, Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers agreed to a groundbreaking seven-year, $180 million contract extension. The deal also included a $22 million vesting option for 2020 if Verlander finished in the top five of the Cy Young Award voting in 2019. This contract made Verlander the highest-paid pitcher in Major League Baseball history at the time.
2013: 2013 ALDS Games 2 & 5
During the 2013 ALDS, Verlander pitched exceptionally well against the Oakland Athletics. Despite not getting the win in Game 2, he struck out eleven hitters in seven scoreless innings. In a crucial Game 5, he pitched eight shutout innings, struck out ten, and took a no-hitter into the 7th, securing a 3-0 victory for the Tigers.
2013: 2013 ALCS Game 3
In Game 3 of the 2013 ALCS, Verlander extended his scoreless innings streak to 21 1/3 before giving up a solo homer to Mike Napoli in the seventh. Even with ten strikeouts in eight innings, he took the loss. This game marked his sixth career postseason game with 10+ strikeouts, an MLB record.
2013: Verlander Ties Postseason Strikeout Record
In Game 3 of the 2013 ALCS, Verlander tied a postseason record by striking out six consecutive hitters.
2013: Verlander receives the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award
In recognition of his unwavering support for military veterans, Verlander was honored as one of the inaugural recipients of the prestigious Bob Feller Act of Valor Award in 2013.
2013: Verlander's Season Totals and Reduced Innings
Justin Verlander finished the 2013 regular season with a 13-12 record, a 3.46 ERA, and 217 strikeouts. Notably, his 218.1 innings pitched were his fewest since the 2008 season.
2013: Verlander's Sixth All-Star Selection
Justin Verlander was selected to his sixth All-Star Game in 2013 as a reserve pitcher for the American League team. However, because he started a game for the Tigers on July 14, he was deemed unavailable for the All-Star Game, which took place on July 16. Despite missing the game, Verlander had a respectable first half of the season, going 10-6 with 125 strikeouts and a 3.50 ERA before the All-Star break.
2013: Astros' Move to AL West and Opening Day Success
Since their move to the American League West in 2013, the Astros established a pattern of success on Opening Day, winning every game, a testament to their strong starts to each season.
2013: 2013 Postseason
The 2013 postseason saw the Red Sox eliminate the Tigers in six ALCS games. Verlander's performance was stellar, boasting a 0.39 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 23 innings, though he received no offensive support in two starts.
2013: Last Triple-Digit Fastball Before Resurgence
The 2013 season marked the last time Justin Verlander hit triple digits on the radar gun until his velocity rebounded in 2017.
January 9, 2014: Verlander Undergoes Surgery
On January 9, 2014, Verlander underwent core muscle surgery, putting his Opening Day start in jeopardy.
February 2014: Verlander Recovers in Time for Spring Training
Despite undergoing surgery in January, Verlander recovered quickly and was ready for spring training in February 2014.
2014: Verlander's Second-Half Improvement
Verlander improved in the second half of 2014, lowering his ERA and WHIP to 4.54 and 1.398. He finished the season strong with three consecutive wins and a 15-12 record.
2014: Verlander experiences a dip in fastball velocity
During the 2014 season, Verlander's average fastball velocity dropped to 91.2 mph, marking a noticeable decrease from his peak.
2014: Verlander's First-Half Struggles
Verlander experienced a challenging first half in 2014. His strikeout rate fell to 6.8 per nine innings, significantly lower than his previous five-year average of 9.2. His ERA and WHIP also saw an uptick to 4.71 and 1.49, respectively.
2014: Fourth Consecutive AL Central Division Championship
The Detroit Tigers, led by Justin Verlander, secured their fourth consecutive American League Central division championship in 2014, demonstrating their dominance in the division.
2014: Decline in Velocity
Justin Verlander experienced a dip in his average fastball velocity in 2014, averaging 91.2 mph.
2014: Verlander and Upton begin dating and experience a privacy breach
Verlander and Kate Upton started dating in early 2014. Later that year, their privacy was compromised during the infamous iCloud leaks, resulting in the exposure of their personal photos online.
2015: Verlander's Near No-Hitter
On August 26, 2015, Verlander came agonizingly close to pitching his third career no-hitter but lost it in the ninth inning, allowing a double by Chris Iannetta. He finished with a one-hit shutout against the Los Angeles Angels.
2015: Verlander Sidelined with Injury
Verlander began the 2015 season on the disabled list because of a right triceps strain, halting his impressive run of seven consecutive Opening Day starts for the Tigers.
2015: Continued Velocity Concerns
Verlander's average fastball velocity remained a concern in 2015, as it only slightly improved to 92.3 mph.
2015: Verlander's velocity shows slight improvement but remains lower than peak
Verlander's average fastball velocity saw a slight uptick to 92.3 mph in 2015, but it still remained lower than his earlier years.
2016: Verlander's Strikeout Milestones
Verlander achieved two significant strikeout milestones in 2016. On May 8th, he surpassed Jack Morris for second place on the Tigers' all-time strikeout list. Then, on May 18th, he reached 2,000 career strikeouts, becoming only the second Tigers pitcher to do so.
2016: Verlander wins his third strikeout title
Verlander's dominance on the mound continued in 2016 as he captured his third strikeout title, demonstrating his ability to consistently miss bats.
2016: Verlander's Dominant July
Verlander had a standout month in July 2016, earning him American League Pitcher of the Month honors. His performance included a 4-0 record, 1.69 ERA, and an impressive 48 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings.
2016: Verlander establishes the "Wins For Warriors Foundation"
In 2016, Verlander founded the "Wins For Warriors Foundation" to support veterans of the United States Military, reflecting his commitment to giving back to those who have served.
2016: Verlander decreases the use of his changeup
Starting around 2016, Verlander significantly reduced his reliance on the changeup, primarily using it against left-handed batters.
2016: Verlander and Upton get engaged
In 2016, Verlander and Upton took their relationship a step further by getting engaged, solidifying their commitment to each other.
2016: Dominating Season for Verlander
In 2016, Justin Verlander led the American League with 254 strikeouts, marking the fourth time he achieved this feat in his career. He also boasted an impressive 1.00 WHIP, securing him the top spot in the AL, and his 3.04 ERA ranked second.
April 4, 2017: Record-Tying Performance on Opening Day
On April 4, 2017, Verlander matched a franchise record by striking out ten batters on Opening Day, a feat previously achieved by Mickey Lolich in 1970.
June 23, 2017: Ben Verlander's baseball career and transition to sportswriting
On June 23, 2017, Ben Verlander, Justin's younger brother, was released by the Detroit Tigers organization, where he had been playing as an outfielder. Following his release, Ben transitioned into a career as a sportswriter and analyst.
November 4, 2017: Verlander marries Kate Upton
Two days after winning the World Series with the Astros, Verlander married model-actress Kate Upton on November 4, 2017, in a picturesque ceremony in Tuscany, Italy.
2017: Trade to the Houston Astros and World Series Championship
In a significant trade deadline move, Justin Verlander was traded to the Houston Astros in 2017. He immediately made an impact, going undefeated in his first five starts and helping the Astros win the World Series.
2017: Postseason Success and Shared MVP Honors
Verlander excelled in the 2017 postseason, making six appearances and five starts, with a 4-1 record, a 2.21 ERA, and 38 strikeouts in 36.2 innings pitched. His exceptional performance earned him, alongside Jose Altuve, the prestigious Babe Ruth Award, recognizing them as co-MVPs of the postseason.
2017: Astros Break Indians' Strikeout Record
The Houston Astros, led by Justin Verlander's pitching prowess, set a new Major League record in 2018 for the most strikeouts by a starting pitching staff in a single season with 1,069. They surpassed the previous record set by the Cleveland Indians in 2017.
2017: Verlander Traded to the Astros
In a significant move just before the waiver trade deadline in 2017, the Detroit Tigers traded Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros. The Astros sent prospects Franklin Pérez, Jake Rogers, and Daz Cameron to the Tigers in exchange for the star pitcher. Verlander had a strong finish to the 2017 season, recording a 15–8 record, a 3.36 ERA, and 219 strikeouts in 206 innings pitched.
2017: Resurgence of Velocity
After battling injuries in previous seasons, Verlander's fastball velocity rebounded significantly in 2017, averaging 95.3 mph, a notable increase from his 91.2 mph average in 2014 and 92.3 mph in 2015. He even reached triple digits on the radar gun for the first time since the 2013 season.
2017: Astros Acquire Verlander
In 2017, the Astros made a significant move by acquiring Verlander.
2017: Verlander's fastball velocity returns to form
In 2017, Verlander's average fastball velocity rebounded to 95.3 mph, silencing doubts about his velocity after previous injury-plagued seasons.
2017: Verlander starts incorporating two different sliders into his pitching repertoire
In 2017, Verlander began utilizing two variations of his slider, throwing a slower one with a larger break to lefties and a faster, sharper one to righties.
2017: Verlander Achieves Strikeout Milestones
In 2017, Justin Verlander had a season filled with impressive strikeout achievements. He surpassed 200 strikeouts for the ninth time in his career, joining an elite group of pitchers. Verlander also set an Astros franchise record with six consecutive starts of 10 or more strikeouts.
2017: "Wins For Warriors Foundation" raises funds for Hurricane Harvey relief
Demonstrating its commitment to broader social causes, Verlander's "Wins For Warriors Foundation" raised a significant sum of $246,311 to aid in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
March 5, 2018: Verlander Named Opening Day Starter for Astros
On March 5, 2018, the Houston Astros announced that Justin Verlander would be their starting pitcher for Opening Day. This marked the 10th time in his career that he received this honor, and his first with the Astros.
July 14, 2018: Verlander and Upton announce pregnancy
On July 14, 2018, Justin Verlander and Kate Upton shared the joyous news of Upton's pregnancy with their first child.
2018: Dominant Start to the Season
Verlander began the 2018 season in exceptional form, leading a dominant Astros pitching rotation. In April, he went undefeated with a 4-0 record, an impressive 1.36 ERA, and an impressive 48 strikeouts in 40 innings pitched.
2018: League-Leading Performance and Pitcher of the Month Honors
Justin Verlander was a dominant force in the first 12 games of the 2018 season, leading the American League in 17 different statistical categories. His impressive start to the season included a remarkable 1.11 ERA, seven wins, 81.1 innings pitched, and a 0.713 WHIP. Verlander's exceptional performance earned him the American League Pitcher of the Month award for May, his fifth time receiving this accolade.
2018: Career-High Strikeouts and League-Leading Performance
Justin Verlander had an outstanding season in 2018, setting a new career-high with 290 strikeouts, a figure that also led the American League. This marked the fifth time in his illustrious career that he topped the AL in strikeouts. Beyond strikeouts, he led the major leagues with an exceptional 0.902 WHIP and an impressive 7.84 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
2018: 200th Career Win
Justin Verlander reached a significant milestone in 2018, becoming the 114th pitcher in major league history to achieve 200 career wins, solidifying his place as one of the game's greats.
2018: Verlander secures his fifth strikeout title
In 2018, Verlander further cemented his legacy as one of the game's top strikeout pitchers by claiming his fifth strikeout title.
2018: Another Close Call in Cy Young Voting
Despite another stellar season in 2018, Justin Verlander finished as the runner-up for the AL Cy Young Award, marking his third time in this position and his sixth top-five finish in the voting. Blake Snell of the Tampa Bay Rays edged him out for the award.
2018: Verlander's changeup usage drops to less than 2 percent
By 2018, Verlander's changeup usage dwindled to below 2 percent, highlighting his transition into a primarily three-pitch pitcher.
2018: Verlander's Reflection on 2014 Season
In 2018, Verlander revealed that his subpar performance in 2014 was partly due to his recovery from core muscle surgery.
March 24, 2019: Verlander Extends Contract with Astros
On March 24, 2019, Justin Verlander put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension with the Houston Astros worth $66 million, solidifying his commitment to the team until the conclusion of the 2021 season.
November 12, 2019: Verlander Wins Second Cy Young Award
On November 12, 2019, Justin Verlander achieved a significant career milestone by winning his second Cy Young Award. This award recognized his exceptional performance and dominance throughout the season. It was a testament to his skill and dedication as a pitcher.
2019: Second Cy Young Award and 300-Strikeout Season
Justin Verlander's exceptional performance in 2019 earned him his second Cy Young award. He also achieved a career milestone by surpassing 300 strikeouts in a single season, showcasing his ability to consistently dominate hitters.
2019: Cy Young Award Voting and Contract Incentive
The 2019 Cy Young Award voting held significance for Justin Verlander as it could potentially trigger a $22 million vesting option in his contract with the Detroit Tigers for the 2020 season. To activate the option, he needed to finish in the top five of the voting.
2019: Verlander leads the league in innings pitched for the fourth time in his career
In 2019, Verlander showcased his durability and effectiveness by leading the league in innings pitched for the fourth time in his career.
2019: Verlander Reaches 3,000th Career Strikeout
Justin Verlander reached a significant milestone in his career in 2019 by striking out his 3,000th batter. This achievement put him in an elite group of pitchers. Furthermore, he achieved this feat in the same game as his first 300-strikeout season, a historic accomplishment only shared with Randy Johnson.
2019: Verlander Sets Postseason Strikeout Record, But Faces World Series Losses
In the 2019 World Series, Justin Verlander set a new major league record for postseason strikeouts, surpassing John Smoltz's previous record. However, he also experienced the disappointment of becoming the first pitcher to lose his first five World Series decisions.
2019: Three No-Hitters and 3,000 Strikeouts
In 2019, Justin Verlander etched his name in baseball history by becoming the sixth pitcher to throw three career no-hitters. He also reached the 3,000-strikeout milestone, further cementing his legacy as a dominant force on the mound.
2019: Verlander's Dominant 2019 Season
Justin Verlander had an exceptional 2019 season, leading MLB in various pitching categories, including innings pitched, games started, and wins. His remarkable 0.803 WHIP was the lowest in a major league season since Pedro MartÃnez's impressive 0.737 WHIP in 2000. He also led the American League in strikeouts-to-walks ratio and finished first in WAR for pitchers, solidifying his position as one of the game's best.
March 17, 2020: Verlander Undergoes Groin Surgery
On March 17, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent surgery on his right groin. This procedure aimed to address an injury that had been affecting his performance. The surgery required a six-week recovery period, overlapping with the season's delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 24, 2020: Verlander's Opening Day Win and Forearm Strain
Justin Verlander started the 2020 season with a win on Opening Day, contributing to the Astros' streak of Opening Day victories since 2013. However, his season was cut short due to a forearm strain, leading to his shutdown shortly after.
July 26, 2020: Verlander Sidelined with Forearm Strain
In a setback for Justin Verlander and the Astros, it was reported on July 26, 2020, that he would be sidelined due to a forearm strain, putting his further participation in the season in jeopardy.
September 30, 2020: Verlander Undergoes Tommy John Surgery
On September 30, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent Tommy John surgery, a significant procedure that would sideline him for the remainder of the 2020 season and the entire 2021 season. This marked a challenging period in his career as he faced a lengthy rehabilitation process.
2020: Potential Vesting Option
As part of his 2013 contract extension with the Detroit Tigers, Justin Verlander had a $22 million vesting option for the 2020 season. This option would activate if he finished in the top five of the Cy Young Award voting in 2019.
2020: Sidelined by Arm Injury
Justin Verlander's 2020 season was cut short due to an arm injury that required Tommy John surgery. This marked a significant setback in his career.
2020: Verlander's Last Game Before Return
Justin Verlander's last game before his return to baseball in 2022 was on Opening Day in 2020.
2020: Shortened MLB Season
The 2020 MLB season was shortened.
February 27, 2021: Verlander Placed on Injured List
On February 27, 2021, the Astros officially placed Justin Verlander on the 60-day injured list as he continued his recovery from Tommy John surgery, confirming his unavailability for the start of the season.
December 13, 2021: Verlander Signs with Astros
On December 13, 2021, Justin Verlander returned to the Astros by signing a one-year contract with an option for a second season. This move signaled his commitment to the team and his determination to return to the mound after a long recovery period.
2021: Verlander Misses Entire Season Due to Recovery
Justin Verlander's recovery from Tommy John surgery extended throughout the 2021 season, causing him to miss the entire year. This absence marked a significant challenge in his career as he focused on rehabilitation and regaining his form.
2021: Max Scherzer Signs with the Mets
Max Scherzer signed a contract with the Mets during the 2021 offseason.
2021: Verlander's Absence in 2021
Justin Verlander's absence from the 2021 season was a notable absence in the league, as he was recovering from Tommy John Surgery.
2021: Recovery from Tommy John Surgery
Justin Verlander spent the 2021 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, focusing on rehabilitation and aiming for a return to the mound.
2021: End of Contract Extension
Justin Verlander's two-year contract extension, signed in 2019, was set to expire after the 2021 season.
April 9, 2022: Verlander Returns to the Mound
After a long absence due to injury, Justin Verlander made his much-anticipated return to Major League Baseball on April 9, 2022. This marked a triumphant moment in his career as he showcased his resilience and determination to pitch again at the highest level.
August 23, 2022: Verlander Achieves Strikeout Milestone and Faces Injury
On August 23, 2022, Justin Verlander achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Pedro MartÃnez on the all-time strikeout list during a game against the Minnesota Twins. However, later that month, he experienced right calf discomfort during a game against the Baltimore Orioles, leading to an injury list placement due to a mild muscle fascia rupture.
December 7, 2022: Verlander Signs Record-Breaking Contract with the Mets
On December 7, 2022, Verlander signed a two-year contract with the New York Mets, marking a significant moment in his career. The contract's average annual value matched the highest in MLB history at that time.
2022: Verlander's Third No-Hitter and Strikeout Streak
Justin Verlander achieved a remarkable feat in 2022 by throwing his third career no-hitter, his second against the Blue Jays. This accomplishment placed him among an exclusive group of pitchers who have achieved this feat. Additionally, he set an Astros franchise record for consecutive batters retired, further showcasing his dominance on the mound.
2022: Verlander's Postseason Success and World Series Victory
In the 2022 postseason, Verlander continued to excel, setting a major league record for most double-digit strikeout games in the postseason. Despite a history of struggles in the World Series, he secured his first World Series win with the Astros in 2022.
2022: Return to Form and Second World Series Championship
In a triumphant return from injury, Justin Verlander displayed his resilience and skill in 2022, winning 18 games with an impressive sub-2.00 ERA. He played a crucial role in leading the Astros to their second World Series title.
2022: Verlander's Dominant 2022 Season
In 2022, Justin Verlander had a remarkable season, leading the Major Leagues in ERA, WHIP, and BAA. He also achieved the lowest ERA in the American League since Pedro Martinez's 1.74 mark in 2000.
May 4, 2023: Verlander Returns from Injury
On May 4, 2023, Verlander returned from the injured list and made his season debut against his former team, the Detroit Tigers.
May 10, 2023: Verlander Achieves Victory Against All 30 MLB Teams
On May 10, 2023, Verlander achieved a notable feat by becoming the 21st Major League pitcher to secure victories against all 30 MLB teams.
July 30, 2023: Verlander Achieves 250th Win and Joins Elite Company
On July 30, 2023, Verlander etched his name in baseball history by becoming the second pitcher in the 21st century to achieve 250 career wins, joining an exclusive group of players.
August 1, 2023: Verlander Returns to the Astros
On August 1, 2023, Verlander returned to the Houston Astros after being traded from the New York Mets, marking his second stint with the team.
2023: Verlander ranks 12th all-time in career strikeouts
As of 2023, Verlander's impressive strikeout numbers have placed him 12th on the all-time career strikeouts list, showcasing his ability to consistently retire batters via the strikeout.
2023: Verlander's Season-Saving Performance
In the 2023 season, Verlander delivered a standout performance that was widely regarded as crucial in salvaging the Astros' season during a challenging period.
2023: Verlander's All-Star Season and Contract Option
Justin Verlander continued his impressive career resurgence in 2023, earning his ninth All-Star selection and achieving a historic statistical feat by the All-Star break. His performance also triggered a player option in his contract, securing his place with the Astros for the 2023 season.
2023: Verlander Declines World Baseball Classic Invitation
Verlander declined an invitation to participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, prioritizing his recovery from Tommy John surgery and his recent World Series experience.
2024: Verlander's Continued Dominance
As of 2024, Justin Verlander remains the most recent pitcher to have pitched 250 innings in a single season, a testament to his exceptional endurance and skill.
2025: Verlander's Mets Contract Includes Vesting Option
Verlander's contract with the Mets includes a vesting option for the 2025 season.