Justin Verlander is retiring from baseball, but first he is heading to the 2026 MLB All-Star Game and finishing out the season.
The future Hall-of-Famer was selected by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred as a “Legend Pick,”, which quickly prompted a somewhat surprising retirement announcement from the Detroit Tigers starter.
“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,” Verlander began in his statement.
Verlander re-signed with the Tigers before the season on a one-year, $13 million deal that carried $11 million in deferred money.
So far, it hasn’t worked out. Verlander’s lone start this year came back on March 30, when he allowed 5 runs in 3⅔ innings and was placed on the injured list shortly after.
“This season has challenged me in ways I haven’t experienced before, both physically and mentally,” Verlander continued. “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.”
But first, Verlander says he has work to do. He intends to finish out the season “the only way I know how – with everything l’ve got.”
That includes the 10th All-Star Game in his storied career that has seen three Cy Young awards, two World Series wins with the Houston Astros and an American League MVP with the Tigers.
The game will take place on Tuesday, July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
What Justin Verlander said in retirement announcement
Shortly after getting the nod as a “Legend Pick” for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, Justin Verlander released a statement on social media announcing his retirement after the season.
You can read the full thing below:
Just like Miggy?
If a legendary Tiger getting selected by the commissioner for the All-Star Game sounds familiar, there’s a good reason.
Legendary slugger Miguel Cabrera was made an “All-Star Legends Selection” before the 2022 edition of the Midsummer Classic.
Like Verlander, Cabrera wasn’t having a vintage season when he was picked, but when a legendary player’s career is winding down, it makes a lot of sense for them to be part of one of the league’s biggest nights.
Cabrera played one more season after getting the selection.
Detroit Tigers statement on Justin Verlander retirement
Here’s what the Tigers said about Verlander announcing 2026 will be his last season.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated.
Andrew Birkle is an assistant sports editor for the Free Press. Contact him via email at abirkle@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Justin Verlander announces retirement after getting All-Star Game nod
Reporting by Andrew Birkle, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Andrew Birkle, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
