Tigers Writer Makes Case for Reuniting with Verlander

Despite his age, the former Tigers ace could still provide value to the team's rotation.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:07pm by Ben Kaplan

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A writer for The Athletic has made the case for the Detroit Tigers to consider reuniting with veteran pitcher Justin Verlander. Despite Verlander's struggles last season with the San Francisco Giants, the writer argues that the 42-year-old still has something left in the tank and could provide a veteran presence and upside to the Tigers' rotation.

Why it matters

The Tigers are in need of pitching help and have been linked to free agents like Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt. Bringing back Verlander, a former Tigers star, could provide an intriguing option with his potential upside, even at his advanced age.

The details

The writer, Cody Stavenhagen, appeared on the 'Tiger Territory' podcast and discussed the possibility of the Tigers signing Verlander. He pointed to Verlander's strong finish to the 2025 season, posting a 2.60 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 72 innings over his final 13 starts. Stavenhagen argued that Verlander's upside at age 43 may be higher than that of younger free agents like Giolito or Bassitt.

  • Last season, Verlander recorded a 3.85 ERA, 137 strikeouts, and a 4-11 record with the San Francisco Giants.

The players

Justin Verlander

A 42-year-old veteran pitcher who previously starred for the Detroit Tigers and is now a free agent.

Cody Stavenhagen

A writer for The Athletic who made the case for the Tigers to reunite with Verlander on the 'Tiger Territory' podcast.

Tarik Skubal

The Tigers' star pitcher who could benefit from Verlander's veteran presence on the team.

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What they’re saying

“He's not coming off a great season. His overall numbers were not really good. He was battling through injury. Look at his last 13 starts…Justin Verlander was really good. And so there is still something in there..had a 2.60 era. Struck out 70 guys in 72 innings, he walked only 24 guys...But if there were any doubt, like, does this dude have something in the tank at entering his entering his age 43 season, seems like he's got something still in the tank, I would take Verlander's Upside at 43 probably before Chris Bassitt or Lucas Giolito.”

— Cody Stavenhagen, Writer (Tiger Territory)

What’s next

It remains to be seen if the Detroit Tigers will actually pursue a reunion with Justin Verlander this offseason.

The takeaway

While Verlander is no longer the dominant ace he once was, this writer makes a compelling case that the veteran pitcher could still provide value to the Tigers' rotation, especially with his potential upside compared to other free agent options. A reunion with Verlander could give the Tigers a needed boost as they look to improve their pitching staff.