Longtime MLB pitcher Justin Verlander announced Wednesday that he will retire following the 2026 season, bringing an end to an illustrious 21-year career.
The 43-year-old Detroit Tigers right-hander revealed the decision shortly after MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred named him an American League “Legend Pick” for next week’s All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Although injuries will prevent Verlander from pitching in the exhibition, the selection marks his 10th career All-Star appearance and recognizes more than two decades of excellence.
Verlander, who returned to Detroit this past offseason on a one-year, $13 million contract, has spent nearly the entire season on the injured list. A left hip injury sidelined him early, and a subsequent left hamstring strain in June further derailed his comeback efforts, limiting him to just a single start on March 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In a statement shared on social media, Verlander said, “I’ve always believed that as long as I could compete at the level I expect of myself, I’d keep playing. I never wanted to retire because of a milestone, a number, or a date on the calendar. I wanted the game to tell me when it was time.” He added, “Over the last several months, I’ve realized that time has come.” Verlander emphasized that he remains committed to helping Detroit for the remainder of the season, calling it fitting that his career will end with the franchise that selected him second overall in the 2004 MLB Draft and gave him his first opportunity in the majors.
After spending 13 seasons with the Tigers before stints with the Astros, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants, Verlander returned to Detroit for what became the final chapter of his career. Upon his retirement, Verlander owns 266 victories, 3,554 strikeouts and a 3.33 ERA across 556 starts. He captured three Cy Young Awards, earned the American League MVP Award in 2011, won Rookie of the Year honors, threw three no-hitters and helped the Houston Astros win two World Series championships after being traded from Detroit during the 2017 season.
Widely regarded as a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, he leaves the game as the active leader in wins and one of the most decorated pitchers of his generation. His appearance at next week’s All-Star festivities will provide fans with an opportunity to celebrate a career that spanned 21 major league seasons before he attempts one final return to the mound later this year.
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