Sawt Falasteen - MLB pitching great Verlander to retire after 2026 season

"This season has challenged me in ways I haven't experienced before, both physically and mentally," Verlander, the 2011 American League Most Valuable Player, said in a statement posted on X.

"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," he added.

Verlander returned to the Detroit Tigers this season on a one-year, $13 million contract.

Verlander launched his MLB career with the Tigers in 2005 and spent his first 13 seasons in Detroit before a stellar stint with the Houston Astros that included World Series titles in 2017 and 2022.

Verlander, who has made just one start for the Tigers this season and landed on the injured list in April with hip and hamstring issues, said he was "fully committed" to giving the Tigers his best for the rest of the season.

"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," he said.

Verlander also thanked MLB commissioner Rob Manfred for making him a "Legend Pick" for next week's All-Star game.

Verlander, who has also played for the New York Mets and the San Francisco Giants, is one of just six pitchers in MLB history to throw three no-hitters.

He owns 266 career wins and his 3,554 strikeouts rank eighth in MLB history.

Y.Zaher--SF-PST