Justin Verlander announced he’ll retire after the 2026 season, bringing the curtain down on a Hall of Fame career.
The 43-year-old Detroit Tigers pitcher said the decision had been building for a while, explaining, “It just felt like I was plugging holes in a boat.” He added, “I’ve been kind of trending toward this decision for quite a while.”
Verlander is a three-time Cy Young Award winner, two-time World Series champion, former MVP, and ranks eighth all-time with 3,554 strikeouts. He’ll also make his 10th All-Star appearance next week after being named a special Legend Pick by Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Despite battling injuries this season, Verlander says he’s focused on returning to help the Tigers, saying, “I’m champing at the bit to be part of it.”
