Drew VerHagen

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Drew VerHagen

|image = Drew VerHagen stands on the mound, March 25, 2023 (cropped).jpg

|image_size = 250px

|caption = VerHagen with the Cardinals in 2023

|team = Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

|number = 45

|position = Pitcher

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|10|22}}

|birth_place = Royse City, Texas, U.S.

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = July 19

|debutyear = 2014

|debutteam = Detroit Tigers

|debut2league= NPB

|debut2date = June 25

|debut2year = 2020

|debut2team = Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = 2023 season

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 18–12

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 4.98

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 234

|stat2league = NPB

|stat2year = 2024 season

|stat21label = Win–loss record

|stat21value = 15–16

|stat22label = Earned run average

|stat22value = 3.44

|stat23label = Strikeouts

|stat23value = 256

|teams =

Detroit Tigers ({{mlby|2014}}–{{mlby|2019}})
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters ({{npby|2020}}–{{npby|2021}})
St. Louis Cardinals ({{mlby|2022}}–{{mlby|2023}})
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters ({{npby|2024}}–present)

}}

Drew Edward VerHagen (born October 22, 1990) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals.

VerHagen played college baseball for the University of Oklahoma and Vanderbilt University. The Tigers selected him in the 2012 MLB draft and he played for them from 2014 to 2019. VerHagen played for the Fighters in NPB from 2020 to 2021 and in MLB for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2022 to 2023. He re-signed with the Fighters for the 2024 season.

Early life

VerHagen attended Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, where he was a three-year letter winner. VerHagen did not pitch his senior year due to having Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

College career

VerHagen began his collegiate career by enrolling at the University of Oklahoma in 2010, where he pitched {{frac|13|1|3}} innings with a 3.38 earned run average (ERA) for the Oklahoma Sooners. He spent the summer with the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod League, where he was 0–1 with a 1.66 ERA.{{cite web|url=http://www.harborhawks.org/archives/2010yir.htm |title=2010 Hyannis Harbor Hawks year-in-review|publisher=Hyannis Harbor Hawks |first=Dylan |last=Vazzano |date=2010 |access-date=July 19, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=56676&seasonid=239 |title=#34 Drew Verhagen |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}}

The following year he transferred to Navarro College, where he was a member of the 2011 National Junior College Athletic Association JUCO World Series championship team. VerHagen then transferred to Vanderbilt University, where he made 27 appearances, including seven starts, and went 6–3 with a 3.50 ERA in {{frac|69|1|3}} innings for the Vanderbilt Commodores in 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.navarrocollege.edu/athletics/2012/06/05/detroit-drafts-verhagen-in-4th-round/ |title=Detroit Drafts Verhagen in 4th Round |publisher=Navarro College |date=June 5, 2012 |access-date=June 5, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130717&content_id=53959880&vkey=news_det&c_id=det |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724044827/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130717&content_id=53959880&vkey=news_det&c_id=det |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 24, 2013 |title=VerHagen becoming viable starting pitcher |publisher=MLB |first=Bernie |last=Pleskoff |date=July 17, 2013 |access-date=July 17, 2014}}

Professional career

=Detroit Tigers=

The Detroit Tigers chose VerHagen in the fourth round, with the 154th overall selection, of the 2012 MLB Draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2012/06/detroit_tigers_take_vanderbilt.html |title=Detroit Tigers take Vanderbilt right-hander Drew VerHagen with fourth-round pick in MLB draft |publisher=MLive |first=James |last=Schmehl |date=June 5, 2012 |access-date=April 8, 2014}} After signing with Detroit, VerHagen pitched in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League for the Gulf Coast League Tigers and for the Lakeland Flying Tigers of the High–A Florida State League. He went 0–3 with a 3.48 ERA in 10 games, including six starts in 2012. In 2013, he split his time between Lakeland and the Erie SeaWolves of the Double–A Eastern League. VerHagen went 7–8 with a 2.90 ERA and a 1.147 WHIP in 24 appearances.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2014/02/special_prospect_drew_verhagen.html |title=Tigers like what they see in Drew VerHagen, who threw two perfect innings vs. Florida Southern |publisher=MLive |first=Chris |last=Iott |date=February 25, 2014 |access-date=February 25, 2014}}

File:IMG 0727 Drew VerHagen.jpg in 2013]]

In 2014, Tigers invited VerHagen to spring training.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2014/01/detroit_tigers_invite_16_playe.html |title=Detroit Tigers invite 16 players to major league camp, announce spring training dates |publisher=MLive |first=James |last=Schmehl |date=January 9, 2014 |access-date=January 9, 2014}} Prior to being called up in 2014, VerHagen was 6–7, with a 3.67 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 19 starts for the Triple–A Toledo Mud Hens. VerHagen made his major league debut for the Detroit Tigers on July 19, 2014, in a game against the Cleveland Indians.{{cite web|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140718&content_id=85116258¬ebook_id=85132320&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det |title=VerHagen joins Tigers in anticipation of debut |publisher=MLB |first=Jason |last=Beck |date=July 19, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2014}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} VerHagen allowed five hits and three earned runs in five innings while walking three and striking out four.{{cite web|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_07_19_clemlb_detmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=det |title=VerHagen's debut unravels after big inning|publisher=MLB |first=Jason |last=Beck |date=July 19, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2014}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He was optioned back to Triple-A Toledo the next day.{{cite web|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140720&content_id=85407064¬ebook_id=85408498&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725161112/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140720&content_id=85407064¬ebook_id=85408498&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |title=Tigers option VerHagen back to Triple-A|publisher=MLB |first=Matt |last=Slovin |date=July 20, 2014 |access-date=July 20, 2014}}

In 2015, VerHagen was converted into a reliever, making 20 appearances out of the bullpen between Double–A Erie and Triple–A Toledo.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2015/06/detroit_tigers_transition_pros.html |title=Detroit Tigers convert young right-hander Drew VerHagen to reliever in minors |publisher=MLive |first=Chris |last=Iott |date=June 17, 2015 |access-date=June 17, 2015}} He made one appearance with the Tigers on July 5, and was optioned back to Toledo. He returned to the Tigers for an August 19 appearance against the Chicago Cubs and remained with the parent club the rest of the season. VerHagen recorded his first career major league win, in a 9–2 decision over the Cleveland Indians in the second game of a doubleheader on September 13, 2015. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing zero hits and two walks.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/09/13/indians-get-back-to-500-with-7-2-win-over-tigers/72217092/ |title=Tigers split doubleheader with 9-2 win over Indians |newspaper=USA Today |date=September 13, 2015 |access-date=September 13, 2015}} For the 2015 season, he would pitch a total of {{frac|26|1|3}} innings with the Tigers, surrendering only 18 hits while striking out 13 and posting a 2.05 ERA.

In 2016, VerHagen made the Tigers' opening-day roster. On May 22, 2016, he was optioned to Triple–A Toledo after compiling a 7.11 ERA in 19 innings pitched.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2016/05/tigers_send_pitcher_drew_verha.html |title=Tigers option pitcher Drew VerHagen to Triple-A Toledo, recall Buck Farmer |publisher=mlive.com |first=Brendan |last=Savage |date=May 22, 2016 |access-date=May 23, 2016}} A day later, the Tigers placed him on the 60-day disabled list due to right shoulder thoracic outlet syndrome.{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/drew-verhagen-player-injuries |title=Drew VerHagen page at Fox Sports (Injuries) |work=foxsports.com |access-date=April 19, 2018}}

File:Drew VerHagen on May 12, 2016.jpg

In 2017, the Tigers optioned VerHagen to Triple–A Toledo to start the 2017 season. He was recalled on July 24.{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/drew-verhagen-player-transactions |title=Drew VerHagen page at Fox Sports (Transactions) |work=foxsports.com |access-date=April 19, 2018}} He made 24 appearances (two starts) in the 2017 season, compiling a 5.77 ERA with 25 strikeouts in {{frac|34|1|3}} innings.

In spring training 2018, manager Ron Gardenhire and VerHagen discussed a full-time bullpen role for the upcoming season.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2018/02/drew_verhagen_tigers_4.html |title=No longer dabbling as starter, Drew VerHagen aiming for late-inning relief job in 2018 |publisher=mlive.com |date=February 11, 2018 |access-date=April 19, 2018}} VerHagen made the Tigers opening day roster, and was placed in the bullpen. On April 23, he was designated for assignment after posting a 6.30 ERA in 10 innings. The Tigers announced that they would purchase VerHagen's contract so he could start the first game of a doubleheader on June 4.{{Cite news|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2018/06/drew_verhagen_tigers_6.html|title=Tigers bringing up Drew VerHagen to start Game 1 of doubleheader|work=MLive.com|access-date=June 3, 2018|language=en-US}} He posted a 4.27 ERA the rest of the season, contributing to a final line of 3–3, 4.63 ERA, and 53 strikeouts in {{frac|56|1|3}} innings.

In 2019, VerHagen was designated for a rehab assignment with the Single–A Lakeland Flying Tigers to start the 2019 season, due to a sore shoulder. He was recalled to the Tigers on April 7, following an injury to starter Matt Moore.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-weigh-options-with-matt-moore-out|title=Tigers make adjustments in Moore's absence|last=Beck|first=Jason|work=MLB.com|date=April 7, 2019|access-date=April 8, 2019|language=en-US}} The Tigers designated VerHagen for assignment on May 4 after he gave up six runs in a 15–3 loss.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/05/tigers-designate-drew-verhagen-for-assignment-2.html|title=Tigers Designate Drew VerHagen For Assignment|website=MLB Trade Rumors|language=en-US|access-date=May 4, 2019}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Toledo on May 11. On July 25, the Tigers selected VerHagen's contract, adding him back to their active roster.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2019/07/tigers-bringing-back-drew-verhagen-to-start-thursday.html|title=Tigers bringing back Drew VerHagen to start Thursday|last=Woodbery|first=Evan|date=July 24, 2019|website=mlive.com|language=en-US|access-date=July 26, 2019}} On August 23, VerHagen struck out a career-high 11 batters in a win over the Minnesota Twins.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/ronny-rodriguez-hits-grand-slam-in-win-vs-twins|title='El Felino' grand slam lifts Tigers in opener|last=Beck|first=Jason|date=August 23, 2019|website=MLB.com|language=en-US|access-date=August 26, 2019}} He finished the season with a record of 4–3 in 22 games (four starts), with a 5.90 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched. VerHagen was released by the Tigers organization on November 25.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/11/tigers-drew-verhagen-japan-nippon-ham-fighters-npb.html|title=Drew VerHagen To Sign With Japan's Nippon Ham Fighters|author=Steve Adams|date=November 25, 2019|website=MLB Trade Rumors|access-date=November 25, 2019}}

=Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters=

On November 26, 2019, VerHagen signed a one-year contract with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).{{ cite web | url=https://www.fighters.co.jp/news/detail/00002335.html | title=ドリュー・バーヘイゲン投手と契約合意 | work=北海道日本ハムファイターズオフィシャルサイト | language=ja | date=November 26, 2019 | access-date=January 13, 2020 }} He signed a one-year extension with the team on November 22, 2020.{{cite web

| title = Nippon-Ham Fighters Re-Sign Drew VerHagen

| url =https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/11/nippon-ham-fighters-re-sign-drew-verhagen.html

| website =mlbtraderumors.com

| date = November 22, 2020

| access-date = November 23, 2020}}

He became a free agent following the 2021 season.

=St. Louis Cardinals=

File:VerHagen2023.jpg

On March 11, 2022, VerHagen agreed to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million with the St. Louis Cardinals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/drew-verhagen-signs-deal-with-cardinals|title = Cards add righty VerHagen on two-year deal|website = MLB.com}} He made 19 appearances for the Cardinals during an injury-plagued season, registering a 6.65 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in {{fraction|21|2|3}} innings pitched. On August 4, he underwent season-ending surgery on his hip.{{Cite web|title=Cardinals' Drew VerHagen: Requires season-ending surgery|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cardinals-drew-verhagen-requires-season-ending-surgery/|access-date=2023-05-26|website=cbssports.com|date=August 4, 2022 |language=en}}

VerHagen made 60 appearances out of the bullpen for St. Louis in 2023, compiling a 5-1 record and 3.98 ERA with 60 strikeouts across 61 innings of work.{{Cite web|title=Drew VerHagen 2023 pitching Stats Per Game - MLB|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/33121/drew-verhagen|access-date=January 19, 2025|website=espn.com|language=en}} He became a free agent following the 2023 season.

=Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (second stint)=

On January 12, 2024, VerHagen re-signed a contract with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/01/drew-verhagen-to-sign-with-npbs-nippon-ham-fighters.html | title=Drew VerHagen to Sign with NPB's Nippon-Ham Fighters | date=January 12, 2024 }} In 9 appearances for the main team, he posted a 2–2 record and 3.12 ERA with 41 strikeouts across 49 innings of work.

On December 25, 2024, VerHagen re–signed with the Fighters on a one–year contract.{{Cite web|title=NPB’s Nippon-Ham Fighters Re-Sign Drew VerHagen|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/npbs-nippon-ham-fighters-re-sign-drew-verhagen.html|access-date=December 26, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}

Pitch selection

VerHagen throws two primary pitches: a fastball in the {{convert|93|–|96|mph}} range, topping out at {{convert|98|mph|km/h}}, and an upper-70s curveball. He throws his fastball as both a four-seam fastball and a two-seam fastball. He mixes in an occasional changeup at {{convert|82|–|86|mph}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.fangraphs.com/pitchfx.aspx?playerid=13424&position=P |title=Drew VerHagen PitchFX at FanGraphs.com |publisher=fangraphs.com| access-date=December 11, 2015}}