2006 Detroit Tigers: Where are they now?

Justin Verlander

Before we continue, take a look at how skinny Justin Verlander was back in 2006. Despite the lankiness, Verlander went 17-9 with a 3.63 ERA and a 125 ERA+ in his rookie season. Despite just being two years removed from Old Dominion University, Verlander was the Rookie of the Year and finished 7th in Cy Young voting.

While he was not great in the playoffs, everyone knew the future was bright for Verlander. Few, however, could have predicted how successful JV would actually become.

Editor’s note: These next few paragraphs could sting if you are still having Verlander withdrawals.

A strong 2007 and a pedestrian 2008 led Verlander into his age-26 season in 2009. That’s when he really got going.

From 2009-2013, Verlander went 91-43 with a 3.05 ERA (2.99 FIP) with a 1.12 WHIP. He had a 9.2 K/9 and averaged 239 strikeouts per season. He was an All-Star every season and finished first, second and third in Cy Young voting.

Of course, there was 2011. That season will forever stand alone as one of the greatest modern pitching seasons in the MLB. Verlander went 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts. He led the league in wins, winning percentage, ERA, games started, innings pitched, strikeouts, ERA+, WHIP and H/9. He was the Cy Young winner and the AL MVP.

Verlander remained with the Tigers through August of 2017, when he was traded to the Houston Astros for prospects Franklin Perez, Daz Cameron and Jake Rogers.

Shortly thereafter, Verlander won his first World Series ring. He is under contract through 2020. At age 34, he should be able to pitch for five or so more seasons before retiring.

Expect to see him in the Hall of Fame someday, and rest assured he will be sporting the Old English D on his hat.