Justin Verlander Got the Floor Before His Final All-Star Game. Here’s What We Know.

Justin Verlander is about to make his 10th All-Star appearance, and the Blue Jays manager made sure it’d be a memorable one before the first pitch even happened.

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, AL manager John Schneider — who’s running the show for the American League this year — planned to address the team before the game, but then turned the floor over to Verlander. The 43-year-old Tigers right-hander, who announced he’ll retire after the 2026 season, gave what Olney described as a few words to the assembled All-Stars.

Nobody’s saying exactly what Verlander said. But the gesture itself is the kind of thing that sticks with players, especially when a legend like Verlander is closing in on the end.

A Career Worth Recognizing

Verlander didn’t earn this spot on his 2026 numbers alone. He’s pitched just 3.2 innings this season for Detroit after signing a one-year deal. He got in as a Legends pick, which is baseball’s way of saying, “Hey, we know you’re not the same guy you were, but we’re not letting you walk away without one more ovation.”

And honestly, it’s well deserved. The future Hall of Famer has a resume that’s almost ridiculous to look at. Rookie of the Year in 2006. MVP in 2011. Three Cy Young awards — 2011, 2019 and 2022. He’s pitched for the Tigers (14 seasons), the Astros (seven seasons), the Giants (one season) and the Mets (one season).

His career numbers entering this All-Star break: a 3.33 ERA, a 1.136 WHIP and 3,554 strikeouts across 3,571.1 innings. Not bad for a guy who was supposedly cooked about four different times.

Schneider’s Move Was Subtle but Smart

Managers don’t always do stuff like this. Some guys are all business, especially in a one-off game like the All-Star showcase. But Schneider letting Verlander have a moment before the game says something about how the league views Verlander. He’s not just a pitcher. He’s the kind of presence younger guys grow up watching on TV, the kind of player other stars still ask for advice.

And for the AL squad, getting a pep talk — or even just a few words — from a guy who’s won basically everything is a pretty good way to start the night.

Verlander’s final All-Star appearance is July 14 at Truist Park. If he pitches, it’ll be the last time fans see him on that kind of stage. And if the game’s close in the late innings, don’t be surprised if Schneider finds another way to give Verlander the spotlight.