Originally published: June 28, 2019: Relevant again with Verlander commenting that he is nowhere near retirement.
From the moment Justin Verlander was drafted, he had a place in the heart of Detroit Tigers‘ fans.
Over his 12+ seasons in Detroit, that love grew exponentially and no matter what happens, Verlander will always be a Tiger.
That being said, since being traded to the Houston Astros just before the 2017 deadline, Verlander has had great success, including winning a World Series title.
So, where would JV prefer to finish his career in Major League Baseball?
Well, according to Verlander’s friend (and former Detroit Red Wing) Chris Chelios, Justin would like to finish his career where he started.
From 97.1 The Ticket:
“I still keep in touch with Verlander,” Chelios told 97.1 The Ticket’s podcast The Time That. “I couldn’t be any happier for him, for what he’s done and what he continues to do. It’s special, it really is.”
If anything could make it more special, it’d be a reunion with the Tigers down the road. Sounds like Verlander’s already planning on it.
“Who knows how much longer he’s going to go, but jeez, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. But his heart for sure is with Detroit. There’s no question. He’s always talked about at the end, when he does decide that it’s time, he’d like to finish his career as a Tiger. That’s pretty cool. I don’t want to put words in his mouth, but I know his heart’s in Detroit,” said Chelios.
Nation, do you think Verlander eventually returns to the Motor City to finish his career?
Time will tell.