Justin Verlander, whose relentless desire to pitch deep into games and into age made him the greatest pitcher of his generation, has announced his intention to retire at the close of the current season. The Detroit Tigers right-hander made the revelation on Wednesday, shortly after receiving a significant honour.
Verlander was named to his tenth All-Star Game as a Commissioner’s Legend Pick by Rob Manfred, recognising his exceptional greatness over a distinguished 21-year Major League career. The announcement comes as the 43-year-old is currently on the 60-day injured list, grappling with both hip and hamstring injuries.
A Commissioner’s Honour and Farewell Tour
Verlander joins Phillies slugger Bryce Harper as Legend Picks for the Midsummer Classic, which is scheduled for next Tuesday in Philadelphia. His selection provides a poignant opportunity for fans to acknowledge and thank him, initially at Citizens Bank Park, and subsequently at Comerica Park.
Verlander is the second Detroit Tiger to earn such a selection from the Commissioner. His long-time teammate, Miguel Cabrera, received this honour in 2022 after recording his 3,000th career hit that April and his 500th home run the previous summer. Cabrera then retired after the following season, marking a similar, though Verlander’s will be a shorter, farewell tour for the pitcher.
The veteran provided insight into his decision in a statement posted to social media. “I never wanted to retire because of a milestone, a number, or a date on the calendar,” Verlander wrote. He added, “I wanted the game to tell me when it was time. Over the last several months, I’ve realized that time has come.”
While fully committed to giving his team everything he has for the rest of this season, Verlander confirmed this will be his last. He expressed that it was “fitting that I get to finish where it all started — with the Detroit Tigers,” bringing his illustrious career full circle. He will attend the All-Star Game in a Tigers uniform for the first time since 2013.
A Career of Unprecedented Achievements
During that 2013 appearance, Verlander was part of a star-studded American League pitching staff that included his then-Tigers teammate Max Scherzer. He had openly dreamed big then, talking publicly about pitching well into his 40s, a goal he has now realised by continuing to play at 43.
Verlander’s career accomplishments are widely considered among the greatest for a pitcher in his generation, and for the Modern Era of baseball, which began in 1900. Over his initial 13-year tenure with the Tigers, he earned six All-Star selections, before adding three more during his time with the Houston Astros, whom he represented from 2017-24.
His statistical achievements place him firmly within the sport’s historical elite. Verlander’s 3,554 strikeouts rank him eighth in MLB history, a testament to his enduring prowess on the mound. Furthermore, his 266 wins place him 37th overall, while his impressive 82.3 bWAR ranks 24th among all pitchers.
Justin Verlander shares a unique distinction with Don Newcombe, as they are the only players in MLB history to have won Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and Most Valuable Player honours during their careers. He is also one of only six pitchers in history to have thrown three no-hitters, achieving this feat twice as a Tiger, in 2007 and 2011, and once more with Houston in 2019.
Impact with the Houston Astros
Verlander’s career took a significant turn when he was acquired by the Houston Astros in a buzzer-beating deal at the 2017 Trade Deadline. He swiftly became a key piece in the Astros’ journey to two World Series titles, underscoring his immediate and profound impact on the team.
Immediately after the trade, Verlander posted a remarkable 1.06 ERA across five regular-season starts, showcasing his exceptional form. That October, he went on to win American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player honours, a crucial contribution en route to securing his first World Series ring. Five years later, he picked up another World Series title with the club, further solidifying his legacy in Houston.
Justin Verlander’s remarkable career, defined by a relentless desire to pitch deep into games and into age, is now drawing to a close. His consistent excellence has ensured his place among the greatest pitchers of his generation, with his extensive list of accolades marking him as a future Hall of Famer.