Justin Verlander Joined FOX Sports Broadcast Desk
The retired pitcher transitioned to a media role following his final game with the Detroit Tigers in September.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Baseball
Justin Verlander has joined the FOX Sports MLB postgame broadcast team following his retirement from professional baseball. He made his debut on the network desk on October 6, 2026.
Why it matters
The move marks a shift for the veteran athlete into sports media as he begins his post-playing career. He was joined on the broadcast desk by prominent analysts including Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, and Derek Jeter.
The Los Angeles Dodgers currently hold a 2-1 series lead over the Atlanta Braves in the ongoing NLDS. These figures ground the current postseason picture amidst the network coverage.
The players
Justin Verlander
A veteran professional baseball pitcher who recently retired following a career that concluded with the Detroit Tigers.
Freddie Freeman
A Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers who hit a homerun off Chris Sale during the NLDS.
Kevin Burkhart
A broadcast journalist and host for FOX Sports who anchors the network MLB coverage.
Alex Rodriguez
A former professional baseball player and current studio analyst for FOX Sports MLB coverage.
Derek Jeter
A former professional baseball player and Hall of Famer who serves as a broadcast analyst for FOX Sports.
The details
Verlander interviewed Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman during the broadcast, which featured analysis from host Kevin Burkhart. During the segment, it was noted that Kate Upton communicated with Verlander via text message while he was on air.
Timeline
Justin Verlander pitched his final game with the Tigers in late September 2026.
Verlander made his FOX Sports postgame show appearance on October 6, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This transition adds a notable voice to the network's postseason coverage as the Dodgers look to expand their 2-1 series lead. The shift reflects a wider trend of star players moving directly from the field to high-profile broadcast desks.
The Los Angeles Dodgers hold a 2-1 lead over the Atlanta Braves, shifting the pressure onto Atlanta for the next game. Viewers can expect continued analysis of this series from the expanded FOX broadcast team.
The takeaway
The move signifies a growing professional bridge between retired superstars and sports media networks. Fans can anticipate more perspectives from recently retired players as they transition into analyst roles across major networks.
Further reading
Find more updates on the postseason and league news at Baseball.
