Justin Verlander says the end is here.
In a message to fans, Verlander announced that this season will be his last, saying he has reached the point where “the game” has told him it is time. He also made clear he plans to keep giving his team everything he has through the rest of the year.
Verlander opened by thanking the Commissioner for what he called “the incredible honor of being selected to the All-Star game.” He said returning to the event is “something I’ll cherish,” and added that it will be “an incredibly special moment for me and my family.”
He then explained how the decision came together. Verlander said this season has tested him “in ways I haven’t experienced before, both physically and mentally.” He noted that he has always wanted to keep playing as long as he could perform at the level he expects from himself, and said he never wanted to walk away because of “a milestone, a number, or a date on the calendar.”
“Over the last several months, I’ve realized that time has come,” he wrote.
Verlander said he will finish his career with the Detroit Tigers, the team that drafted him and gave him his first opportunity. He called it fitting to end where it all began.
In the rest of his message, Verlander reflected on what baseball has meant to him. He said the sport gave him “more than I could have imagined,” teaching him discipline, resilience, and the importance of adapting and evolving. He also thanked the teammates, coaches, clubhouse attendants and fans who have been part of the ride.
“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,” he wrote.
Verlander also reserved a special thank-you for his family, singling out his wife, Kate.
“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.”
He closed by looking ahead to what comes next, while making one thing clear about the present.
“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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