Justin Verlander Announces He Will Retire After This Season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander has announced that the 2026 season will be his final in the MLB.
Verlander took to social media on July 8 to announce that he will not return to the MLB after this season. He's spent 13 of his 21 years as a professional player with the Tigers.
Verlander began his career with the Tigers in 2005, where he remained until going to the Houston Astros in 2017. He was with the Astros until 2022, and then moved on to the New York Mets. He returned to the Astros in 2023 and joined the San Francisco Giants in 2025.
READ MORE: Detroit Tigers: 3 Stars Named MLB All-Star Starters
Just before the 2026 season, it was announced that Verlander would return to the Detroit Tigers' roster on a one-year $13 million deal.
In his post on social media, Verlander took time to thank the Commissioner for selecting him to play in this year's All-Star Game. He went on to talk about how challenging this season has been for him, saying
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.
He then said that is why he has decided that he will retire after this season. He then acknowledged that he's going to be able to finish his career where it started.
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.
Verlander says he's excited to finish the season with the Tigers organization. You can read his full statement on Instagram.
Travel Back in Time With These 25 Classic Michigan Postcards
Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill
More From 100.5 FM The River
