Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander is recognized as one of the most accomplished pitchers in Major League Baseball history. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, American League Most Valuable Player Award recipient, and two-time World Series champion, Verlander has established a legacy as a leading figure in professional baseball. Selected second overall out of Old Dominion University in the MLB Draft, Verlander earned the American League Rookie of the Year Award in his age-23 season and quickly became known for his power pitching. He and Don Newcombe are the only players in MLB history to win Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP honors in a career.

Verlander's 2011 season is frequently cited among the top pitching performances in modern baseball. He posted a 24-5 record with a 2.40 ERA, struck out 250 batters, and secured both the American League Cy Young Award and the AL Most Valuable Player Award, becoming the first pitcher since 1986 to win the MVP. A nine-time MLB All-Star, Verlander has led the American League in strikeouts five times, in earned run average twice, and in wins three times. He is one of just six pitchers in history to throw three no-hitters, achieving the feat twice with Detroit and once with Houston. At his peak, Verlander maintained a 3.06 ERA and averaged 213 innings and 227 strikeouts per season.

After a trade to the Houston Astros, Verlander continued to add to his career achievements. He played a pivotal role in two Houston World Series titles, posting a 1.06 ERA in five regular-season starts after the trade and earning ALCS MVP honors that October. Following Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for an entire season, Verlander returned to post an 18-4 record with a 1.75 ERA, leading Major League Baseball in ERA, WHIP, and batting average against, while setting a career-best and recording the lowest qualifying ERA in the American League over a non-shortened season since Pedro Martinez. That season earned him a third Cy Young Award and a second World Series ring.

Verlander ranks eighth in MLB history with 3,554 strikeouts, 37th with 266 wins, and 24th among pitchers with an 82.3 bWAR. He also holds the all-time postseason record for strikeouts and ranks second in innings pitched and wins. Verlander was named to his 10th All-Star Game as a Legend Pick by Commissioner Rob Manfred, recognizing his impact over a 21-year Major League career. His longevity, resilience, and postseason performance have secured his place among the most influential starting pitchers in baseball.