The 5 Active MLB Pitchers That Are Locks for Cooperstown

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 01: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches in an in camera multiple exposure in the second inning during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals on May 1, 2019, at Nationals Park, in Washington D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander has been one of the dominant and consistent starters in the majors this decade. Ever since he won the American League Rookie of the Year in 2006, he has been one of the best starters in the American League. His 13 seasons in Detroit’s ace for 13 seasons and is now leading the young Houston Astros.

The seven-time All-Star is still pitching at such a high-caliber in his age-36 season and has shown no signs of slowing down at all, signing an extension through the 2021 season. His 208 wins, and counting, are the second most for active starters. He has led the majors in wins twice in his career, including his triple crown in 2011, when he also won Cy Young and MVP. Verlander has had 11 seasons of at least 200 innings pitched and eight seasons of at least 200 strikeouts. This proves how durable and reliable he has been. His career ERA is currently a 3.38, and declining, which is very impressive for an American League pitcher.

Verlander has placed in the top 10 on the Cy Young ballot eight times in his career, winning once in 2011, and finishing second in 2012, 2016, and 2018. He has been able to be this dominant for so long. He is already a lock for Cooperstown and is going to continue to add to his remarkable career.

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