Following the season, one of baseball’s greatest pitchers ever will be retiring from the game.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander, a winner of three Cy Young Awards, made the announcement Wednesday that his last campaign of Major League Baseball will be here in 2026.
Currently in the middle of a season that’s riddled with injuries, Verlander made the decision that it’s time to step away. (RELATED: Royals Sh*t The Bed With 3 Errors On A Single Play)
“This season has challenged me in ways I haven’t experienced before, both physically and mentally. 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. Over the last several months, I’ve realized that time has come,” said Verlander in a post on social media.
“While I’m fully committed to giving my team everything I have for the rest of this season, I’ve decided this will be my last. It’s fitting that I get to finish where it all started – with the Detroit Tigers, the organization that drafted me and gave me my first opportunity.”
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) July 8, 2026
In the offseason, Verlander signed a one-year contract with Detroit, the same franchise he played for the first 12½ years of his career prior to being shipped to the Houston Astros in a trade. The pitcher won two World Series championship rings and two Cy Young Awards in Houston.
“Baseball has given me more than I could have imagined. It taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of continuing to adapt and evolve. I’ve been fortunate to play with and against incredible players, for outstanding organizations, and compete in-front of fans who deeply appreciate the game,” added Verlander in the announcement.
“To every teammate, coach, player, clubhouse attendant, and fan who has been part of this journey – thank you. It’s been a privilege to share the field with you. To my family, especially my wife Kate, thank you for standing beside me through every season, every rehab, and every high and low. I couldn’t have done this without you. It’s time for the next chapter. But first, I’m excited to finish this season the only way I know how – with everything I’ve got.”
Having a total of 3,554 strikeouts, Verlander is the active leader, while being placed eighth all-time.
Verlander, 43, was the winner of the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2006.