Tigers Bring Back Verlander on One-Year Deal

Veteran pitcher returns to Detroit on contract with deferred earnings

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, with $11 million of that deal deferred to a later date. Verlander, who spent the first 13 years of his career with the Tigers, will join an improved starting rotation that includes Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize.

Why it matters

Verlander's return to Detroit is significant, as he is a franchise icon who won an AL Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP award during his previous tenure with the Tigers. The deferred payment structure of the contract also gives the Tigers more flexibility with the luxury tax, while providing Verlander with a steady income stream as he nears the end of his career.

The details

Verlander's one-year, $13 million contract with the Tigers includes $11 million in deferred earnings, meaning he will receive $2 million over the course of the 2026 season and the remaining $11 million at a later date. This type of deferred payment structure benefits both Verlander, who gets a steady income stream, and the Tigers, whose average annual value on the contract is not as impacted by the full $13 million.

  • Verlander's contract with the Tigers was reported on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Justin Verlander

A veteran pitcher who spent the first 13 years of his MLB career with the Detroit Tigers, winning an AL Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP award during his time in Detroit.

Tarik Skubal

A starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who will be part of the team's improved rotation alongside Verlander.

Framber Valdez

A starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who will be part of the team's improved rotation alongside Verlander.

Jack Flaherty

A starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who will be part of the team's improved rotation alongside Verlander.

Casey Mize

A starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who will be part of the team's improved rotation alongside Verlander.

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What they’re saying

“When organizations agree to contracts that include deferred money, this means that a portion of the contract will be paid to Justin Verlander in the time after it was earned.”

— Toran Flores, Author (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

The Tigers will look to integrate Verlander into their starting rotation as they aim to compete in the AL Central division in 2026.

The takeaway

Verlander's return to Detroit on a one-year deal with deferred earnings highlights the Tigers' commitment to building a competitive pitching staff, while also providing the veteran pitcher with a steady income stream as he nears retirement. This mutually beneficial contract structure could serve as a model for other teams looking to bring back iconic players in the twilight of their careers.