Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander announced on July 8, 2026, that the current 2026 season will be his last in Major League Baseball. Verlander, who is 43 years old, stated his intent to conclude his playing career.

Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred selected Verlander as a "Legend Pick" for the 2026 All-Star Game, scheduled to take place in Philadelphia.

Verlander made only one appearance for the Detroit Tigers during the 2026 season, pitching 3.2 innings and allowing five earned runs. He was later placed on the injured list with a hip injury and suffered a left hamstring strain. Verlander was scratched from a scheduled return start due to injury. "This season has challenged me in ways I haven't experienced before, both physically and mentally," Verlander said.

In February 2026, Verlander agreed to a one-year contract worth $13 million with the Detroit Tigers. "Over the last several months, I've realized that time has come," Verlander said. "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, who attended Old Dominion University, was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 MLB Draft and made his Major League Baseball debut in 2005. Verlander spent his first 12.5 seasons in the majors with the Detroit Tigers. He has also played for the Houston Astros, the New York Mets, and the San Francisco Giants.

Throughout his career, Verlander has recorded 266 victories and 3,554 strikeouts, maintaining a 3.33 career ERA. He has appeared in 556 career games, pitching 3,571.1 career innings, and has nine career shutouts. His career achievements include three Cy Young Awards, the American League MVP Award, the Rookie of the Year Award, and the Triple Crown in 2011, when he led the American League in wins (24), strikeouts (250), and ERA (2.40). He has been selected to ten All-Star Games and has won two World Series championships. Verlander helped the Detroit Tigers reach the World Series in 2006 and 2012.