The Houston Astros are back in the World Series. Following another World Series defeat, they are eager to win it all again. Justin Verlander is leading the way for them on the mound following an unreal season.

Verlander is likely going to win the Cy Young Award after posting a phenomenal 1.75 ERA and 0.829 WHIP. His stretch of dominance was put into perspective by Anthony Castrovince of MLB Network, who shared a stat that showed just how long his time as a high-quality pitcher has been.

Article Continues Below
More Houston Astros News
Apr 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña (3) at bat during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
Carlos Correa’s role in resurgent Jeremy Peña seasonZachary Draves ·
Houston Astros catcher Victor Caratini (17) congratulates relief pitcher Josh Hader (71) after the win against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Astros’ Josh Hader matches franchise history in dominant win over PhilliesJosh Davis ·
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (3) reacts after hitting a single against the Athletics in the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park.
Astros rumors: $100 million contract ‘on hold’ for star in Aaron Judge territoryBenedetto Vitale ·
Houston Astros center fielder Chas McCormick (20) reacts after striking out during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Daikin Park.
3 Astros who must be on trade block ahead of 2025 deadlineZachary Howell ·
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Daikin Park.
Phillies’ Ranger Suarez makes insane grab vs. AstrosChristopher Hennessy ·
Jun 17, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña (3) during the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images. Jeremy pena hired scott boras as his agent to represent him in extension talks with Astros.
Jeremy Peña makes eye-opening agent moveMike Gianakos ·

“Justin Verlander will join Roger Clemens as the only pitchers ever to start a World Series game in three different decades,” writes Castrovince. Clemens made his starts with the 1986 Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees of the late 1990s and early 2000s and, coincidentally, the Houston Astros of 2005.

Verlander pitched in the 2006 and 2012 World Series with the Detroit Tigers (losing both times) before achieving the ultimate glory with the Houston Astros in 2017. Since he missed last season entirely, this year's fall classic against the Philadelphia Phillies will make it the third decade to feature a World Series appearance in Verlander's remarkable career.

The Astros have a lot of depth behind Verlander in both the rotation and the bullpen. It will be a fascinating matchup between the Astros and Phillies as Verlander deals with a loaded Phillies lineup headlined by Bryce Harper.