DETROIT — One of baseball’s most decorated pitchers is hanging up his cleats. Justin Verlander announced Wednesday that this season will be his last, choosing to end his career where it began — with the Detroit Tigers.
The 43-year-old right-hander, currently the oldest active player in Major League Baseball, broke the news on social media shortly after being named a Legend Pick to the American League All-Star roster.
“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,” Verlander wrote. “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 returned to Detroit this past February on a one-year, $13 million deal. His 2025 campaign has been limited by injuries — he landed on the injured list early in the year with hip inflammation, and then suffered a hamstring pull during a bullpen session just as he was approaching a comeback. His only start this season came on March 30, when he allowed five runs over 3 2/3 innings in a 9-6 road defeat at Arizona.
Despite the setbacks, Verlander says the decision to retire wasn’t driven by a specific number or moment.
“I never wanted to retire because of a milestone, a number, or a date on the calendar,” he said. “I wanted the game to tell me when it was time. Over the last several months, I’ve realized that time has come.”
He had been scheduled to pitch in June in what would have been his first appearance at Comerica Park since August 30, 2017 — the day before he was traded away to Houston.
Verlander’s legacy with the Tigers alone is remarkable. From 2005 to 2017, he went 183-115, claimed the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2006, and swept both the AL MVP and Cy Young Award in 2011. He helped lead Detroit to the World Series in 2006 and 2012, as well as four consecutive division titles from 2011 through 2014.
After being traded to Houston, he continued to thrive. He was named the 2017 ALCS MVP and was part of World Series championship teams that year and again in 2022. He also earned his second and third Cy Young Awards in 2019 and 2022.
“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,” Verlander said.
He added: “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.”
Over his 21 major league seasons with the Tigers, Houston Astros, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants, Verlander compiled a career record of 266-159 with a 3.33 ERA across 556 starts. He struck out 3,554 batters and threw 26 complete games, including nine shutouts.
Although he won’t take the mound at the All-Star Game in Philadelphia on Tuesday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed Verlander will attend and be honored during the festivities.
“The opportunity to attend once again is something I’ll cherish and it will be an incredibly special moment for me and my family,” said Verlander, who is married to model Kate Upton and has two children.
Verlander joins Bryce Harper of the host Philadelphia Phillies as a Legend Pick for the 2026 Midsummer Classic. Previous All-Star games have honored legends including Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and Clayton Kershaw.
