It’s inevitable that Justin Verlander will be in the Hall of Fame when he wraps up his legendary career. But when that day comes, what team’s cap will he wear on his plaque? Which one should he choose?
Which Team Will Justin Verlander Represent at Hall of Fame?
Justin Verlander was asked that very question on “The Dan Patrick Show” which team he will represent when he enters the Hall of Fame.
Are u telling me there’s a chance? JV not sure on what hat he will wear when he goes in the HOF 😬🤞#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/nPZKsPlAp0
— M1lt (@M1lt0nD) March 11, 2025
It’s a great problem to have, but a tough decision. From what’s publicly known, Verlander has been treated well at every stop along the way. Still, there are two clear favorites: the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros.
Honorable mentions go to the New York Mets and his current team, the San Francisco Giants, but when it comes to tenure and accomplishments, those teams don’t come close.
Case for the Detroit Tigers
Justin Verlander was drafted No. 2 overall by the Tigers in the 2004 MLB Draft. Some might argue this was the best pick the franchise ever made.
After a brief call-up in 2005, Verlander’s career took off in 2006. Over 13 seasons with the Tigers, he posted an 183-114 record with a 3.49 ERA across 2,511 innings, racking up 2,373 strikeouts.
Verlander’s most dominant season came in 2011 when he went 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts in 251 innings. That performance earned him both the AL Cy Young and MVP awards — a rare achievement that highlighted just how dominant he was.
Verlander also led the Tigers to an AL pennant and a World Series appearance that year.
Thirteen years is, by far, the longest tenure he’s had with any team, and he made the most of every season.
Case for the Houston Astros
On Aug. 31, 2017, Verlander was traded to Houston alongside Juan Ramirez in exchange for Franklin Pérez, Daz Cameron, and Jake Rogers. That trade reshaped the American League for the next seven years.
In his first five regular-season games with Houston, Verlander went 5-0 with a 1.06 ERA, allowing just four earned runs over 34 innings. It was one of the most remarkable debuts with a new team in recent memory — but it was just the beginning.
During the 2017 playoffs, Verlander went 4-1 in six starts, won ALCS MVP for his dominance against the New York Yankees, and helped the Astros capture their first World Series title in franchise history.
Verlander continued to dominate in Houston, finishing his Astros tenure with a 73-28 record and a 2.71 ERA across 810.1 innings over seven seasons. He was also a key part of Houston’s 2022 World Series championship, making his Astros tenure arguably more decorated than his Tigers run, despite being shorter.
Both tenures stand alone as incredible careers, and together, they make Verlander one of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game.