PHILADELPHIA — Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, who announced last week that he will retire after the 2026 season, expressed deep concern about the current state of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the challenges facing the game’s future. Speaking during an event at Citizens Bank Park, Verlander reflected on his 22-year career marked by three Cy Young Awards, two World Series championships, and an MVP title, while also addressing recent trends in pitcher management, league negotiations, and changes to the sport.

Verlander was candid in his criticism of the recent practice of removing pitchers from games despite having perfect games or no-hitters in progress — a scenario that was virtually unheard of before 2015 but has occurred three times in the last decade and twice in just four days last week. “It’s very hard for me to watch,” Verlander said. He emphasized the importance of wins for starting pitchers, arguing that while some analysts downplay the value of wins today, the statistic still plays a crucial role in assessing a pitcher’s overall effectiveness over time. Verlander noted that starting pitchers now typically pitch fewer innings and throw fewer pitches than in the past, contributing to a decline in win totals.

Currently sitting at 266 career victories and 3,554 strikeouts—ranking eighth all-time—Verlander lamented that the milestone of 300 wins may soon become unreachable for future pitchers given the evolving nature of the game. At age 43, he is the oldest active athlete in North American team sports but said his body no longer allows him to compete at the highest level. Despite a strong desire to continue pitching and reach personal goals such as 300 wins, Verlander has been sidelined by injuries this season, including issues with his hip and hamstring. He remains hopeful of returning to the mound this year to help the Detroit Tigers contend for their first World Series title since 1984.

Verlander also voiced apprehension about the looming expiration of MLB’s collective bargaining agreement on December 1, and the potential for a prolonged work stoppage that could disrupt the momentum and growing popularity of the sport. “I’m really worried about it, to be frank, because the game is, in my opinion, in a really great place,” he said. He cited the increasing viewership, strong fan engagement, and rising value of MLB franchises as indicators that the league is healthy. Verlander stressed the importance of preserving this upward trajectory by avoiding a labor dispute that would cause lost games and damage the sport’s reputation.

Reflecting on how much baseball has changed since his debut in 2005, Verlander highlighted advancements such as the introduction of the pitch clock, which has helped reduce game lengths, and the increasing role of analytics, which he acknowledged can both benefit players and become a crutch for some teams. Although he declined to discuss his impending Hall of Fame induction or the details surrounding his legacy, Verlander expressed gratitude for the mentors who shaped his career and respect for the game that embraced him.

Now selected as a “legend pick” for this year’s All-Star Game, Verlander cherishes the opportunity to say farewell on a national stage. His teammates and rivals alike have praised his competitiveness and professionalism, reaffirming his status as one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation. As he prepares to close a remarkable career, Verlander emphasized the importance of embracing the present moment and appreciating the journey that brought him to this point.