• Full name Justin Brooks Verlander
  • Born 02/20/1983 in Manakin-Sabot, VA
  • Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 235 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Old Dominion
  • Debut 07/04/2005
  • Drafted in the 1st round (2nd overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 2004 (signed for $3,120,000).
    View Draft Report
    Verlander might have the best pure stuff in the draft, and looks like a good bet to go in the first three picks. Dozens of scouts, crosscheckers and scouting directors turned out in mid-April when Verlander faced off against Justin Orenduff, and Verlander was dominant as he punched out 16 batters and flashed consistent mid-90s heat. The dominance continued all spring, with a 7-5, 3.19 record and 145 strikeouts in 99 innings. He broke his own Old Dominion season strikeout record of 139, set last year, and his 421 (and counting) career strikeouts are a school and Colonial Athletic Association record. He has a lean, lanky frame with long arms and legs, and room for added strength. He has a tall, upright delivery with a lighting-quick arm, and a fastball that tops out at 99 mph with hard run and sink. He complements it with a curveball that has good late depth and sharp bite, and a deceptive changeup that has fastball arm speed and late fade and sink. Verlander's biggest obstacle is his lack of command. He rushes his body and lands on a stiff front side as he struggles to repeat his delivery.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Top 100 Rankings

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Curveball in the American League in 2012
  • Rated Best Fastball in the American League in 2012
  • Rated Best Pitcher in the American League in 2012
  • Rated Best Curveball in the American League in 2011
  • Rated Best Fastball in the American League in 2011
  • Rated Best Pitcher in the American League in 2011
  • Rated Best Curveball in the American League in 2010
  • Rated Best Fastball in the American League in 2010
  • Rated Best Curveball in the American League in 2009
  • Rated Best Fastball in the American League in 2009
  • Rated Best Fastball in the American League in 2007
  • Rated Best Curveball in the Detroit Tigers in 2006
  • Rated Best Fastball in the Detroit Tigers in 2006
  • Rated Best Pitching Prospect in the Florida State League in 2005
  • Rated Best Control in the Florida State League in 2005
  • Rated Best Breaking Pitch in the Florida State League in 2005
  • Rated Best Fastball in the Florida State League in 2005
  • Rated Best Curveball in the Detroit Tigers in 2005

Career Transactions

  • Houston Astros activated RHP Justin Verlander.
  • New York Mets traded RHP Justin Verlander to Houston Astros for OF Drew Gilbert and OF Ryan Clifford.
  • New York Mets traded RHP Justin Verlander to Houston Astros for OF Drew Gilbert and OF Ryan Clifford.
  • New York Mets activated RHP Justin Verlander from the 15-day injured list.
  • New York Mets sent RHP Justin Verlander on a rehab assignment to Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
  • New York Mets sent RHP Justin Verlander on a rehab assignment to Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
  • New York Mets placed RHP Justin Verlander on the 15-day injured list retroactive to March 28, 2023. Low grade teres major strain.

Download our app

Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone