Sports

Justin Verlander Corrects Alex Rodriguez In Awkward Exchange About Hall Of Fame Career

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USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Justin Verlander had an awkward exchange with Alex Rodriguez.


Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander announced his retirement ahead of the 2026 MLB All-Star break. He will hang up the cleats when the year concludes.

He hopes to go out on a high note in his final season with a playoff push after the Midsummer Classic. The veteran joined the FOX broadcast on Monday to talk about his accomplishments, as well as what’s to come.

While fielding a question from co-host Alex Rodriguez, things took an awkward turn. A-Rod mixed up his notes. He began reeling off false claims about Verlander’s career. The veteran set the record straight.

JV is retiring.

He opened up on the decision ahead of the All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Justin Verlander believes his time has come and past. He sees the writing on the wall. It’s time to walk away.

The pitcher referenced both performance and health in his reasoning. He’s not willing to push it any longer.

There’s no need to really. Verlander has accomplished more than most. His lengthy list of accolades includes 10 All-Star invites, three Cy Youngs, two World Series, an MVP, a Rookie of the Year, and a Triple Crown. He will be in the Hall of Fame when all is said and done.

Verlander currently ranks eighth all-time in strikeouts. He will continue adding to that total across the second half of the 2026 season. Then, he’ll call it quits on a career.

The pitcher made his announcement in early July. He sat down a few days later with FOX to speak on his decision. Things got awkward.

Justin Verlander corrects Alex Rodriguez.

A-Rod opened the exchange by praising Verlander. He then got his facts mixed up before delivering his line of questioning.

“To the young ones that are out there watching, how do you explain being a late draft pick and being designated for assignment a couple of times with two different teams?” Rodriguez asked.

Before Rodriguez could continue, Verlander cut him off. “Me? No, you’ve got the wrong notes,” he responded.

Verlander has never been DFA’d. He was the second overall pick in the 2004 MLB Draft. He let the audience know with his clarification.

A-Rod nervously tried to laugh it off. “Ahh, I’m just kidding,” he said hoping to ease the awkwardness. The cringe could not be concealed.

Despite the mistake, Rodriguez was able to keep things moving without much pause. He would go onto applaud Verlander for both his production and longevity.

The pitcher will enjoy his All-Star break before gearing up for the second half of the season. The Tigers are currently 6.5 games back in the AL Central. Verlander looks to help them make a push.