HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- Over a five-year stretch with the Astros, Justin Verlander won two World Series, two Cy Young Awards, an ALCS MVP, and threw his third career no-hitter while making three All-Star teams. It was a partnership that came about at the very last second, and there was no way he could’ve ever predicted how fruitful it would be.
“I obviously didn't know what was ahead, but clearly it was an incredible run,” Verlander said Monday upon making his return to Minute Maid Park as a member of the New York Mets. “I look back so fondly at my time here. It was a wonderful chapter in my career, and I'm very thankful for it.”
During his 13th season with the Tigers, Verlander agreed to a trade with the Astros right before the August 31 deadline in 2017. He won all five of his regular season starts, allowing four runs in 34 innings, and led the Astros to their first American League pennant, earning the win in both of his ALDS outings, including one bullpen appearance, and then he held the Yankees to one run over 16 frames in the ALCS.
Verlander won his second career Cy Young in 2019 after finishing second to Tampa’s Blake Snell the season before. Tommy John Surgery limited him to one start in 2020 and 2021, but he came back last season to compile a career-best 1.75 ERA in 28 starts, which netted a third Cy Young.
“A lot of things stand out,” Verlander said. “I think some of the moments with great teammates, great friends. The stuff on the field stands for itself. I think the entire city experiences those moments, but behind the scenes the guys I got to know and the relationships that I created and sharing it with those guys is what was most memorable.”
The Astros played a video tribute prior to presenting him with his 2022 World Series ring before Monday’s game, and he’ll take the mound against his old team on Tuesday.
“I'm really excited just to get the ring. I haven't looked at it on purpose, really. I don't I don't know what to expect, just play it by ear, see what happens.”
Verlander signed a two-year, 87 million contract with the Mets in December with a vesting option for a third year. He’s 2-3 with a 4.40 ERA through his first eight starts of the season after missing April with a major teres strain.