Retiring Tigers Star Justin Verlander Makes Financial MLB History

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander has officially retired from Major League Baseball, finishing his career as the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history with over $400 million in career salary earnings. Verlander concluded his career in late September 2026 after making a final start at Comerica Park in front of Detroit fans following an injury-plagued season.

Throughout his career, Verlander signed major contracts, including a five-year, $140 million extension with the Tigers in 2013, alongside significant multi-million dollar deals with the Houston Astros, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants. Verlander was honored in a pregame ceremony where he thanked Tigers supporters, despite being limited to just two starts in his final year due to hip inflammation and a hamstring injury.