Houston Astros
· 2026-07-09
Houston Astros legend Justin Verlander announced Monday that the 2026 season will be his last in Major League Baseball. The future Hall of Famer, now in his 20th big-league campaign, said he's ready to walk away after this year.
The Astros sit 8th in the American League with a 46-49 record, coming off an 8-2 loss to the Washington Nationals on July 8. Verlander's announcement adds a layer of urgency to a club fighting to stay relevant in the playoff race.
Verlander, 43, told reporters before Monday's game that he has made up his mind. "This is it," he said. "I've given everything I have to this game, and I'm at peace with walking away after this season."
The right-hander didn't set a specific retirement date. He just made clear that 2026 is the finish line. No more comebacks. No more "one more year."
Verlander is arguably the greatest pitcher in franchise history. He won two Cy Young Awards with the Astros, threw a no-hitter in 2019, and helped deliver the 2017 World Series title. His presence in the clubhouse has been massive.
But the Astros are in a weird spot. They're 46-49, eight games back in the division. Verlander's farewell tour could either rally the team or serve as a distraction. Manager Joe Espada will have to manage that balance.
Verlander's numbers have slipped. He's 6-7 with a 4.12 ERA across 18 starts. The velocity is down a tick, and he's been less dominant against top-line lineups. Still, he's shown flashes of his old self.
On June 15, he struck out 10 over seven innings against the Chicago White Sox. That version of Verlander — the one who can still overpower hitters — is what the Astros need down the stretch.
The Astros have a tough road ahead. They're 46-49, sitting 8th in the American League. The trade deadline is weeks away, and general manager Dana Brown has decisions to make. Do they buy or sell?
Verlander's announcement complicates things. He's a rental — his contract expires after this season. If the Astros fall further back, they could trade him to a contender. But Verlander wants to finish his career in Houston. That matters.
"I'd love to finish it here," Verlander said. "But I also understand the business. Whatever happens, I'll be at peace."
The Astros host the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. Verlander is scheduled to start Thursday against the Texas Rangers. Every start from here on out carries extra weight.
For Astros fans, the countdown has begun. Twenty-one more starts, maybe fewer. Then one of the greatest arms in baseball history hangs it up for good.