Justin Verlander Signs 1-Year Deal to Return to Detroit Tigers

After a frustrating single season with the Giants, the future Hall of Famer is headed back to where his career began.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Justin Verlander, the future Hall of Fame pitcher, has signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, the team that drafted him in 2004. Verlander spent 13 seasons with the Tigers before joining the Giants for the 2025 season, where he struggled with injuries and frustration. The move back to Detroit completes a full-circle moment for the 43-year-old Verlander as he potentially embarks on his farewell tour.

Why it matters

Verlander's return to Detroit is a heartwarming homecoming for the veteran pitcher, who had a frustrating single season with the Giants. The move also reunites Verlander with a stacked Tigers rotation that includes American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and new addition Framber Valdez.

The details

Verlander's one-year, $13 million contract with the Tigers includes $11 million in deferred payments, making the total value $2 million less than the $15 million deal he had with the Giants last season. The Giants had talked to Verlander early in the offseason but discussions fizzled, and they were not in the mix for a reunion toward the end.

  • Verlander signed the one-year deal with the Tigers on February 10, 2026.
  • Verlander will turn 43 years old on February 20, 2026.

The players

Justin Verlander

A future Hall of Fame pitcher who spent the first 13 years of his career with the Detroit Tigers before joining the San Francisco Giants for the 2025 season.

Buster Posey

The president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants.

Tarik Skubal

The American League Cy Young award winner who is part of the Tigers' stacked rotation.

Framber Valdez

A new addition to the Tigers' rotation.

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What they’re saying

“I think that's amazing for him, for his family, obviously, going back there where he started, I think that has to be special for him and his family.”

— Willy Adames (Instagram)

“Knowing the competitor he is, that doesn't mean he's going to be done after this year, but I think it's definitely something he wanted to do is go back and pitch there for at least a year. As a baseball fan it's fun to see. He won World Series and Cy Youngs with other teams, but Justin's a Tiger.”

— Logan Webb (Instagram)

What’s next

Verlander will report to Tigers spring training this week as he prepares for what could be his farewell season in Detroit.

The takeaway

Verlander's return to the Tigers completes a full-circle moment in his Hall of Fame career, allowing him to potentially end his storied run where it all began. This move highlights the enduring connection between players and the teams that drafted them, even as careers take unexpected turns.