Call to the pen
Fansided

Houston Astros: Justin Verlander left legacy behind for a new one

By Kyle Cardoza

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 31: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros walks to the dugout after pitching the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game six of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 31: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros walks to the dugout after pitching the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game six of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 25: Starting pitcher Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers delivers the ball against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 25, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

The Departure

The only thing stopping the Detroit Tigers from shipping Justin Verlander to a team of their choice was technically words on a piece of paper.

Detroit’s star pitcher committed to an extension – the largest in annual value at the time – in 2013 to keep him in town until 2019.

A no-trade clause seemed insignificant at the time. After earning a trip to the American League Championship series three years in a row, the Tigers looked prepared to take steps toward creating a dynasty.

Then the franchise took an ugly turn.

Detroit owned a sub-.500 record in 2015, the first time that occurred since 2008. What followed was a bounce-back season in 2016 – no postseason appearance – before the organization’s ultimate downfall in 2017.

The front office, frustrated and frazzled, took serious measures to add some firepower to the farm system. Eyes centered on Verlander and teammate Justin Upton. Phones rang and offers piled up from teams across the country.

It took time to maneuver the necessary moves to get Verlander’s approval for his exit. But after sitting down and negotiating a deal worthy of Verlander’s attention, the Tigers were successful.

There were no jersey-burning ceremonies. Fans didn’t ridicule the Motown legend once the deed was done. Rather, they appreciated his loyalty from the past 12 years, praising him for his influence on the city.

“Whenever his career ends, he will be looked at as a Detroit Tiger,” manager Brad Ausmus told MLB.com‘s Jason Beck. “He had a tremendous run here. He’s one of the best pitchers in the game and has been since he stepped foot on a Major League field. It’s not easy to trade a guy like that, who’s really an organizational icon.”

While Verlander may have sulked momentarily behind the scenes, he remained poised after the transaction finalized. At that moment, the hard-throwing veteran left Detroit, not knowing if he would ever don a Tigers jersey again in his lifetime.

And a new beginning commenced.

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