After five and a half seasons with the Houston Astros, Justin Verlander is now a free agent. He opted out of his contract on Nov. 10, just days after recording his first career World Series win against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Verlander made his name with the Detroit Tigers, and by the time he was traded to the Houston Astros on Aug. 31, 2017, he had already been named AL Rookie of the Year (2006), AL MVP (2011), AL Cy Young Award winner (2011), and a six-time All-Star (2007, 2009-13). With the Tigers, he pitched two no-hitters (2007, 2011) and was a five-time AL strikeout leader (2009, 2011, 2012, 2016). Verlander was on top of his game and everyone knew it.
What. A. Battle. ??
Verlander gets the best of Castellanos as the @astros hold onto a one-run lead. pic.twitter.com/zdMh18o5f5