\n <\/p>\n\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/p>\nHouston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander celebrates in the clubhouse after winning the World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Houston.<\/p>\n<\/span>Karen Warren\/Staff photographer<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\nJustin Verlander is leaving Houston after the Mets agreed to give him a contract that ties him with new teammate Max Scherzer for the largest average annual salary in baseball ($43.3 million), but he had nothing but positive things to say about the city and its fans on his way out of town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n“To Houston: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so positive, generous, and accepting,” Verlander posted on Instagram on Wednesday night. “You made me and my family feel at home and I’ll always be grateful for that. We have all shared lots of amazing moments together since the trade in 2017. My family and I will forever cherish our time in the (H) and the memories created that will last a lifetime!<\/p>\n\n“Much (love) – The Verlanders.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\nVerlander and wife Kate Upton also showed love to the city shortly after beating the Phillies in the World Series. Speaking on the MLB Network’s postgame show, Upton talked about how much she hated hearing crowds boo the home team, which prompted Verlander to say, “We’ve got to give props to Houston fans.”<\/p>\n\u201cYes. I mean, Houston fans \u2026 can you actually imagine a Houston fan ever booing anyone?,\u201d Upton said. “No, they’re the nicest people in the world.”<\/p>\n