After two decades in Major League Baseball, two-time World Series champion Justin Verlander has announced that 2026 will mark the end of his playing career. He had plenty of people to thank, including his wife, legendary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Kate Upton.
On Wednesday, Verlander wrote his retirement message, pledging to finish out the season with the Detroit Tigers before calling it quits:
"I want to thank the Commissioner for the incredible honor of being selected to the All-Star game. The opportunity to attend once again is something I'll cherish, and it will be an incredibly special moment for me and my family.
"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. 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.
"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."
He added a special thank you to everyone in Major League Baseball that's been a part of his life and gave special mention to Upton.
"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."
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Verlander's Incredible Career
Justin Verlander has put together one of the greatest pitching careers of the modern era across stints with the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and a return to Detroit. Debuting in 2005, Verlander won the 2006 American League Rookie of the Year Award before establishing himself as one of baseball's most dominant power pitchers. Through the 2026 season, he owns a career record of 266-159 with a 3.33 ERA, 3,554 strikeouts, and a 1.14 WHIP across 3,571.1 innings, ranking eighth on MLB's all-time strikeout list.
Verlander's résumé includes three Cy Young Awards (2011, 2019, 2022), the 2011 AL MVP, 2006 AL Rookie of the Year, nine All-Star selections, two World Series championships with Houston (2017 and 2022), ALCS MVP honors in 2017, and three career no-hitters. He also led the American League in wins, ERA, and strikeouts in 2011 to capture the pitching Triple Crown.
Cooperstown is going to come calling for him sooner rather than later.
