Justin Verlander Announces 2026 Retirement, Honors Kate Upton in Emotional Message

 

Kate Upton Gets Heartfelt Shoutout as Justin Verlander Announces 2026 Retirement

The Tigers legend and future Hall of Famer reserved his most personal words for his family as he declares this season will be his last.

Justin Verlander, one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball history, has announced that the 2026 season will be the final chapter of his legendary career. In an emotional social media post timed around his selection to the All-Star Game, the 43-year-old future Hall of Famer shared a deeply personal message—including a special tribute to his wife, model and actress Kate Upton.

The announcement brings closure to a career that has spanned more than two decades, with Verlander citing physical and mental challenges that have finally told him, as he put it, "the game" itself is signaling it's time to step away .

"I Wanted the Game to Tell Me When It Was Time"

Verlander, who returned to the Detroit Tigers this season—the organization that drafted him and gave him his first opportunity—made it clear that this decision was not about chasing milestones or numbers.

"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," Verlander wrote in his statement on social media. "I wanted the game to tell me when it was time" .

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That realization, he explained, came over the past several months after a season that has challenged him "in ways I haven't experienced before, both physically and mentally" . Injuries have limited him to just one appearance this season, and he acknowledged that the difficulties of recovery and performance have made the decision clearer.

A Special Nod to Kate Upton

While Verlander thanked teammates, coaches, and fans throughout his announcement, he reserved some of his most poignant words for his family—specifically, his wife of nearly a decade.

"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," Verlander wrote .

The couple's relationship has been a constant presence throughout Verlander's career. They first met during a commercial shoot in 2012, eventually becoming engaged in 2016 and marrying in Tuscany, Italy, in November 2017—just days after Verlander won his first World Series with the Houston Astros . The couple now has two children: daughter Genevieve, 7, and son Bellamy, who is just over a year old .

Upton, a four-time Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model and actress, has been a fixture at ballparks across the country, supporting her husband through every victory and every setback . In previous interviews, she has expressed her admiration for his craft, once calling his pitching "truly so creative and such an art" .

A Career for the Ages

Verlander's retirement announcement comes as he prepares to make his 10th All-Star Game appearance—this time as a "Legend Pick" selected by Commissioner Rob Manfred . The right-hander will attend the festivities in Philadelphia, though he will not pitch on the day.

Over his 21 major league seasons, primarily with the Tigers and Astros, Verlander has amassed a remarkable résumé:

• Three Cy Young Awards

• The 2011 American League MVP

• Rookie of the Year honors in 2006

• Two World Series championships

• Three no-hitters

• A 266-159 win-loss record with a 3.33 ERA

• 3,554 career strikeouts, eighth on the all-time list 

His legacy has already earned him widespread recognition as a surefire Hall of Fame inductee when he becomes eligible in 2032 .

Finishing in Detroit

There is a poetic symmetry to Verlander finishing his career where it all started. The Tigers drafted him second overall in 2004, and he spent 13 seasons in Detroit before being traded to Houston in 2017—a move that ultimately brought him his first World Series ring.

"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," Verlander wrote .

Despite being on the 60-day injured list and having pitched in just one game this season, Verlander remains committed to rejoining his teammates before the season ends. "While I'm fully committed to giving my team everything I have for the rest of this season, I've decided this will be my last," he stated .

Looking Ahead

For Verlander, the focus now shifts to finishing the season strong and cherishing the moments that remain. He will share his final All-Star experience with three young Tigers teammates who were selected for the first time, making the trip a blend of farewell and celebration .

"Baseball has given me more than I could have imagined. It taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of continuing to adapt and evolve," Verlander reflected. "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" .