Tigers Bring Back Justin Verlander for Final Season

Reunion with future Hall of Famer caps off exciting offseason for Detroit

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Detroit Tigers have signed veteran pitcher Justin Verlander to a one-year, $13 million contract, bringing the future Hall of Famer back to the team where he spent the first 13 seasons of his career. The move is seen as a nostalgic and sentimental one, allowing Verlander to potentially finish his decorated career in Detroit, but it also provides the Tigers with an experienced arm to bolster their starting rotation as they look to make a deep playoff run.

Why it matters

Verlander's return to Detroit is hugely popular with the fanbase, who were disappointed when the team let him go a year ago. The move also strengthens an already impressive Tigers pitching staff, giving them a proven veteran presence behind their young stars. If Verlander can provide solid production, it could be the final piece that pushes Detroit over the top and into contention.

The details

The Tigers are paying Verlander $13 million for the 2026 season, with much of that money deferred. At 43 years old, Verlander is no longer an ace, but he showed he still has something left in the tank with a strong finish to the 2025 season for the San Francisco Giants. Detroit is hoping he can provide 20+ decent starts and take pressure off the rest of their rotation as they aim for a deep playoff run.

  • Verlander will earn $13 million from the Tigers in 2026, his 21st MLB season.
  • Over his final 14 starts of the 2025 season, Verlander had a 2.99 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 75.1 innings for the Giants.

The players

Justin Verlander

A future Hall of Fame pitcher who spent the first 13 seasons of his career with the Detroit Tigers, winning an MVP and Cy Young Award. He returns to Detroit for what could be his final MLB season.

Scott Harris

The Tigers' president of baseball operations, who has engineered an exciting offseason for the team after some initial fan disappointment.

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What’s next

The Tigers will be hoping Verlander can provide steady veteran leadership and production to help push the team into playoff contention in 2026.

The takeaway

Verlander's return to Detroit is an exciting and nostalgic move that also has the potential to be a key factor in the Tigers' quest to make a deep playoff run this season. The veteran's presence could be the final piece that puts the team over the top.