Verlander will retire after 2026, joins AL All-Star roster as Legend Pick

Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander announced Wednesday that he will hang up his cleats at the end of the season.

“Over the last several months, I’ve realized that time has come,” Verlander wrote in a statement. “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. … It’s time for the next chapter.”

The 43-year-old was also named to the American League All-Star team as a Legend Pick by commissioner Rob Manfred. The hurler will finish his career as a 10-time All-Star.

“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 added.

The injured Verlander, who’s the oldest player in MLB, won’t be active during the All-Star Game in Philadelphia but will attend and be honored at the event. He’s pitched in only one game this season, allowing five earned runs in 3 2/3 innings on March 30.

The future Hall of Famer is a three-time AL Cy Young winner, two-time World Series champion, AL MVP, Rookie of the Year, and sits seventh in major-league history with 3,554 strikeouts. He’s suited up for the Tigers, Houston Astros, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants over 21 seasons.

“Baseball has given me more than I could have imagined,” Verlander said. “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.”

Verlander returned to the Tigers in the offseason on a one-year, $13-million deal after spending the first 13 years of his career with the team.

Bryce Harper of the host Philadelphia Phillies is the other Legend Pick for the Midsummer Classic. Previous selections include Clayton Kershaw in 2025 and Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera in 2022.

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