Justin Verlander is your American League Cy Young Award winner in 2022.
After missing almost a full two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery, Verlander returned to the Houston Astros and helped guide them to another World Series title.
In addition to that, he went 18-4 in 28 starts and posted an MLB-best 1.75 ERA, completely mowing down any competition.
Verlander has been with Houston since 2017, and since being acquired from the Detroit Tigers, he helped guide them to two World Series titles, has won two Cy Young Awards, threw his third career no-hitter, earned ALCS MVP honors, recorded his 3,000th strikeout, and also recorded a 300-strikeout season.
Justin Verlander’s accomplishments in Houston before leaving perhaps for NY or LA:
2 World Series titles
2 Cy Young awards
1 ALCS MVP
3rd no-hitter
3,000th strikeout
1 300-strikeout season.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 17, 2022
Verlander’s Impact In Houston
2022 could prove to be Verlander’s final season as a member of the Astros.
But if it is, he’s left behind quite a legacy.
With the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers both showing interest in the veteran right-hander, the market will be competitive.
But if this is it for Verlander is Houston, he has gone out in style, helping guide them to another World Series title and winning another Cy Young.
The 39-year-old will always be a fan favorite in Houston after having reached such legendary status in just a few short years with the team.
Of course, Houston could still find a way to keep him around.
But even if they are unable to, Astros fans will always be appreciative of what Verlander was able to accomplish while in Houston, helping guide them to their first World Series title in franchise history and so much more.
