The decision ends a 21-year career that included three Cy Young Awards, two World Series championships and one Most Valuable Player trophy.
The 43-year-old veteran Tigers pitcher, who happens to be the oldest active player in the Major Leagues, made this decision just after MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred selected him as a “Legend Pick” for the upcoming All-Star Game in Philadelphia.
Verlander said in a statement: “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 past few months, I’ve realized that the time has come.”
“While I am fully committed to giving my team everything I have for the rest of this season, I have decided that this will be my last. It is fitting to be able to finish where it all began, with the Detroit Tigers, the organization that drafted me and gave me my first opportunity,” he added.
This season has been difficult for Verlander as he has suffered multiple injuries, including hip inflammation and a hamstring strain suffered during a bullpen session.
He admitted: “This season has challenged me in ways I have not experienced before, both physically and mentally. I have always believed that as long as I could compete at the level I expect of myself, I would continue to play.”
He ranks eighth all-time with 3,554 strikeouts in 3,571 1⁄3 innings and has a record of 266-159 with a 3.33 ERA.
