​Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander has announced that he will retire after the 2026 season, ending a stellar run that has already etched his name in the annals of baseball history. While the decision isn’t a complete surprise given the right-hander’s ongoing battles with injuries, Verlander, now 43, still intends to close out his final chapter on a high note, with an eye toward an honorary appearance at the MLB All-Star Game before stepping away from the mound for good.
In this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman reflect on Verlander’s remarkable career, a stretch of excellence that encompassed nearly every major milestone a starting pitcher can chase—save for one elusive feat: reaching 300 wins. The conversation expands to consider whether the 300-win club will ever be joined by another pitcher in the modern era, given how the contemporary game presents different paths to longevity and success. The pair also delves into the nuanced relationship between Verlander and Max Scherzer, two future Hall of Famers whose histories and careers intersect in intriguing ways.
As the show progresses, Mintz and Shusterman turn their attention to the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers, both finding momentum and re-entering the American League Wild Card conversation. Jordan offers a preview of his upcoming top 50 prospects to watch in the MLB Draft this weekend and provides an update on the Home Run Derby, including which slots are still open and which players might need replacements for the All-Star Game. The duo closes with their weekly segment, making picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.
Episode highlights include: 1:58 – The Opener: Verlander to retire; 21:38 – Around the League: Which direction will the White Sox take?; 34:59 – Home Run Derby field continuing to take shape; 38:20 – All-Star Game replacements; 39:52 – The Good; 48:43 – The Bad; 56:26 – The Uggla.
Photo credit: Nic Antaya/Getty Images. Watch the full episode on YouTube. For more Baseball Bar-B-Cast and other Yahoo Sports podcasts, visit Apple Podcasts at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or watch at yahoosports.tv.