▲ Justin Verlander hugs his daughter during a Father's Day event on June 22.
Justin Verlander (43, Detroit Tigers), a pitcher who defined an era in Major League Baseball, will retire from professional baseball at the end of the 2026 season.
Verlander officially announced his retirement on social media today (July 9).
Through his X account, Verlander stated, "This season has been a challenge like nothing I have ever experienced before," adding, "I always believed I could maintain my competitiveness, and I did not want to retire just because of my age."
He continued, "I was hoping baseball would tell me when it was time to retire, and I recently realized that the time has come," as he bid farewell.
Born on February 20, 1983, Verlander debuted in the MLB with the Detroit Tigers in 2005. As of July 9, he has recorded 266 wins, 159 losses, a 3.33 ERA, and 3,554 strikeouts in his career.
Only seven pitchers in MLB history have recorded more strikeouts than Verlander.
He also achieved three no-hitters in his career, a feat where a starting pitcher secures a win without allowing any hits or runs.
He received the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2011 and earned the Cy Young Award, given to the league's best pitcher, in 2011, 2019, and 2022.
He also won World Series titles in 2017 and 2022 while playing for the Houston Astros.
The reason Verlander, who was once considered the best pitcher in the game, decided to retire is due to injuries.
After becoming a free agent following the 2025 season, he signed a one-year, 13 million dollar (approximately 19.6 billion KRW) contract with his former team, the Detroit Tigers. This season, he has made only one start, recording 1 loss with a 12.27 ERA.
His only appearance was on March 31 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he pitched 3⅔ innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 walks, and 5 runs while striking out 1.
Meeting with local reporters today (July 9) ahead of a home game against the Athletics at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan, Verlander confessed, "The decision was easy." He added, "Because of a back injury, I was only able to pitch one game during the first half of the season, and recently, I even injured my hamstring. My body is sending signals that it can no longer hold up like it used to."
He continued, "Ironically, my arm feels great," and added, "I will pour everything I have into the Detroit Tigers for the remainder of my time."
Verlander will participate in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, which will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 15, as a 'Legend Pick' selection by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.