Justin Verlander should get a medal for composure during baffling Alex Rodriguez interview

Justin Verlander was there for the memories during the 2026 All-Star Game. He was named to the American League All-Star team as a "Legend Pick," but considering the Detroit Tigers' veteran is still recovering from injury, he had already confirmed he wasn't going to pitch in the event. Still, especially after his retirement announcement, ut allowed for Verlander to get his flowers on the national scene.

Almost every interview Verlander took part in was meant to serve as reflection. Reflection of his career, and what's certainly going to be an eventual trip to the Hall of Fame.

Having a conversation with Verlander during the festivities should have been considered a lay-up. Talk about how dominant he was with the Detroit Tigers? Check. Talk about how dominant he was at the end of his career with the Houston Astros? Check. Talk about how he had stretch of starts he had with the San Francisco Giants last summer when he turned back the clock? Check. Talk about him being a surefire future Hall of Famer? Check.

Just using those talking points would have gotten anyone through an interview with Verlander. As it turns out, anyone but Alex Rodriguez. For better or worse, Rodriguez has become a dominant voice for all things Major League Baseball, in part because of his contract walk, and also because of how he has schmoozed up Rob Manfred in recent years.

The biggest problem with that is Rodriguez almost never knows what he's taking about. That was never more apparent than when Rodriguez was interviewing Verlander before the game, referring to him as a late-round pick and veteran who has been designated for assignment twice.

Justin Verlander showed incredible restraint during odd Alex Rodriguez interview

Perhaps that was the true sign that Verlander is ready to retire. He could have easily put Rodriguez in his place, but instead, he politely quipped that A-Rod must have been looking at the notes for someone else. A younger Verlander may have had a different response.

As a quick reminder, Verlander has never been designated for assignment over the course of his career, largely because he's been one of the best starting pitchers on the team at every stop he's made. He was also selected second overall by the Tigers in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Despite whatever story Rodriguez was able to sell on Tuesday night, Verlander's has played out exactly as one would expect for where he was drafted.

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