Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander says the 2026 season will be his last, bringing one of baseball’s most decorated careers to a close after 21 years in the major leagues.

The 43-year-old pitcher announced his decision on Wednesday shortly after being named a “Legend Pick” for his 10th All-Star Game appearance by Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, two-time World Series champion and former American League MVP, said the decision came after months of reflection as he battled the physical and mental demands of the game.

“It just felt like I was plugging holes in a boat,” Verlander said during a press conference, according to ESPN. “When you kind of put everything together and consider everything, I’ve been kind of trending toward this decision for quite a while.”

In a message shared on social media, Verlander explained that he never wanted to retire simply because of his age or a milestone.

“I’ve always believed that as long as I could compete at the level I expect of myself, I’d keep playing,” he wrote. “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 he’s grateful that his career will end where it began—with the Tigers, the organization that selected him in the 2004 MLB Draft and gave him his first opportunity in professional baseball.

Reflecting on more than two decades in the sport, Verlander expressed deep gratitude for the experiences baseball has given him.

“Baseball has given me more than I could have imagined,” he wrote. “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.”

While Verlander remains focused on helping Detroit finish the season strong, he also looks forward to spending more time with his wife, model Kate Upton, and their two children, Genevieve and Bellamy.

Despite his remarkable accomplishments on the field, Verlander has often said that his favorite moments come at home with his family.

As he prepares for one final season in a Tigers uniform, Verlander leaves behind a legacy defined not only by championships, awards and future Hall of Fame honors, but also by gratitude for a career he describes as an incredible blessing—and excitement for the next chapter centered on family.