One of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball will be hanging up his cleats after this season.Three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander announced on Wednesday that the 2026 season will be his last.Amid an injury-riddled season with the Detroit Tigers, Verlander decided that it's time to go.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMDetroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander watches from the dugout during a game against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sunday, June 21, 2026.(David Rodriguez-Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)"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 said in a social media post."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 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."Verlander inked a one-year deal with the Tigers over the offseason, with whom he spent his first 12-and-a-half seasons before being traded to the Houston Astros.There, he returned to dominance, winning both of his World Series titles and two of his Cy Young Awards."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," Verlander added in his announcement.Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros celebrates on the field after the Astros defe...