Justin Verlander is calling it a career.
The future Hall of Famer announced on social media that this season will be his last, as injuries have sidelined him in Detroit for all but one start.
“I want to thank the Commissioner for the incredible honor of being selected to he 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 said in a statement posted on X. “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.”
Verlander, 43, pitched in just one game this year, posting a poor start and immediately being placed on the injured list with a hip injury that has sidelined him for three months.
After being close to a return, he suffered a hamstring injury and was scratched from his return start, and he is not currently close to being activated from the injured list.
Verlander added that he still hopes to return to his team this season despite the Tigers’ poor 41-50 record.
“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 admitted. “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. 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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