​The Detroit Tigers pitcher announced on Wednesday, July 8 that this season will be his last, marking the end of his 21st major league campaign during which he has battled lingering injuries and been limited to a single start. On the same day, Justin Verlander was revealed as an All-Star Legend Pick for the upcoming Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia on July 14. The ten-time MLB All-Star and future Hall of Fame contender, now 43, confirmed his retirement plans in a lengthy post on X, explaining that he would continue to give his team his all for the remainder of this season, but that the time had come for him to step away from the game. He emphasized that retirements based on age, milestone, or a calendar date have never driven him; instead, he wanted the game to signal when it was right to walk away. He added that over recent months he had come to the realization that the moment had arrived and that finishing his career where it began—back with the Detroit Tigers, the organization that drafted him and provided his first opportunity—felt fitting.
Verlander, currently in his second stint with the Tigers, remains the oldest active player in Major League Baseball. He has been on the injured list since April with left hip inflammation, and last month he was poised to return to pitching before a hamstring injury in a bullpen session sidelined him again, according to ESPN. He previously pitched for the Astros in 2022, a season highlighted by his sensational form and the team’s World Series title run.
In the 21 years of his career, Verlander has amassed 266 wins, three Cy Young Awards, and one MVP. He is a two-time World Series champion, having claimed the titles with Houston in 2017 and 2022. Off the field, Verlander shares two children, Genevieve, age seven, and Bellamy Brooks, age one, with his wife, Kate Upton. The decision to retire was not made lightly for the veteran ace. He reflected that baseball has given him far more than he could have anticipated, teaching him discipline, resilience, and the importance of continually adapting and evolving as a player. He noted the privilege of sharing the field with remarkable teammates, coaches, and competitors, contributing to memorable seasons with outstanding organizations, and performing before fans who deeply appreciate the sport.
Verlander also paid tribute to all who have supported him along the way, thanking each teammate, coach, player, clubhouse staff member, and fan who has been part of his journey. He expressed particular gratitude to his family, especially his wife Kate, for standing by him through every challenge and triumph. As the 2024 season progresses, Verlander’s legacy as one of baseball’s elite performers endures, even as he prepares to close this chapter of his storied career with the Detroit Tigers.