Detroit Tigers: Franchise Four Candidates

Oct 3, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles in game two of the 2014 ALDS playoff baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Verlander (2005-Present)

The Tigers are definitely a team more well-known for its hitting as Justin Verlander is the only pitcher on the MLB.com ballot.

Verlander has somewhat fallen on hard times as of late, but he is still a deserving candidate for the Detroit Tigers Mount Rushmore because he has been one of the best pitchers of his era.

He is 152-89 in his 10-year career and led the league in wins twice, 2009 and 2011. His 2011 season is the best season an American League pitcher has had in the last 25 years. Verlander won the pitcher Triple Crown, leading the league with 24 victories, a 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts. He also led the league in innings pitched, 251.0, which is a feat Verlander has accomplished three times.

In 2011, Verlander also became the first starting pitcher since Roger Clemens in 1986 to win the MVP award.

But with so many great Tigers, Verlander might need to add to his one Cy Young Award or lead Detroit to a World Series title in order to cement himself on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore.

Verlander came close twice, pitching on the AL Pennant winning Tigers in 2006 and 2012, but those teams lost in the Fall Classic.