Tarik Skubal Pays Emotional Tribute to Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander's announcement that the 2026 season will be his last sparked an emotional response throughout the Detroit Tigers clubhouse, but perhaps none carried more significance than the words of fellow ace Tarik Skubal.

Before Verlander addressed the media Wednesday to explain his decision to retire, Skubal quietly took a seat in the back of the room. The two time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner wasn't there to speak. He was there to listen.