Justin Verlander Recalled 2016 Cy Young Controversy
The veteran pitcher discussed his reaction to Kate Upton's viral social media posts regarding his second-place finish.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Baseball
Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander recently reflected on the 2016 American League Cy Young race. He discussed his experience watching the results unfold while Kate Upton publicly criticized the narrow voting outcome.
Why it matters
The 2016 vote remains a notable moment in baseball history due to its extreme closeness and the public involvement of high-profile figures. Recounting the event offers insight into the pressure players face during major award seasons.
Rick Porcello edged out Justin Verlander with 137 points to 132 in the 2016 balloting. While Verlander secured more first-place votes, the five-point margin stood as the second-tightest race since the current voting format began in 1970.
The players
Justin Verlander
He is a veteran pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who is currently preparing for his final career start.
Kate Upton
She is a model and actress who publicly criticized the 2016 Cy Young voting results on social media.
Rick Porcello
He is a former major league pitcher who won the 2016 American League Cy Young award.
Mookie Betts
He is an active Major League Baseball player who hosts a podcast featuring current and former athletes.
The details
Verlander discussed his memories of the 2016 election during a podcast appearance hosted by Mookie Betts. He recalled monitoring the announcement live on MLB Network as his wife, Kate Upton, took to social media to voice her frustration over the voting discrepancy.
Timeline
1970 marked the beginning of current multiple-pitcher voting procedures.
2016 was the year Justin Verlander lost the AL Cy Young award to Rick Porcello.
September 26, 2026, is the scheduled date for Verlander to make his final career start against Pittsburgh.
Season Trajectory
This look back at past award controversies arrives as Justin Verlander approaches the final start of his career. The moment highlights the lasting impact of league-wide voting decisions on a player's professional legacy and public narrative.
Fans tracking the end of Verlander's career should note his final appearance occurs on September 26 against Pittsburgh. This conclusion marks the end of an era for the Detroit rotation and provides a final opportunity to witness a decorated veteran on the mound.
The takeaway
Legacy and awards continue to shape the narrative of professional athletes long after a specific season concludes. Players often carry the memories of narrow competitive losses throughout their entire careers.
What happens next
Justin Verlander is scheduled to make his final career start against Pittsburgh on September 26, 2026.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
