Justin Verlander announces he will retire after the 2026 MLB season. In his retirement message, he says the sport has “told” him it is time to step away, following a challenging year. Verlander expresses gratitude to the people around him, including teammates and fans, and he also highlights the support of his family. Multiple outlets note that his wife, Kate Upton, is specifically thanked in the message, described as a longtime partner who has been there through both highs and lows. Fox News frames the mention as a prominent tribute to Upton, while Times of India focuses on who she is and her role in his public acknowledgment. Verlander adds that he plans to give everything he has for the remainder of the season, indicating he intends to finish 2026 with full effort. The retirement is presented as a decision he has reached after reflection, with his final season positioned as a continued commitment to the game before he steps away.