Tigers Legend Justin Verlander Celebrates Return With Emotional Hype Video

Verlander signs one-year, $13 million deal to rejoin Detroit Tigers for 2026 season

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Detroit Tigers legend Justin Verlander has officially returned to the team, signing a one-year, $13 million contract for the 2026 season. Verlander celebrated the homecoming with an emotional message and a hype video set to Eminem's "Till I Collapse", which featured highlights from his dominant first stint with the Tigers from 2005 to 2017.

Why it matters

Verlander's return to Detroit is more than just a contract signing - it's a symbolic moment that represents the Tigers' belief that they are contenders right now. As a future Hall of Famer and franchise icon, Verlander's leadership and experience will be invaluable in the clubhouse as the team looks to make a push for the playoffs.

The details

Verlander, who is now nearly 43 years old, will once again don the iconic Old English 'D' on his jersey, marking a full-circle moment for one of the most dominant pitchers of the modern era. The hype video he shared featured highlights of his best moments with the Tigers, including triple-digit fastballs, roars from Comerica Park, Cy Young awards, and October dominance.

  • Verlander officially signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Tigers for the 2026 season on February 11, 2026.
  • Verlander first joined the Tigers in 2005 and played with the team until 2017.

The players

Justin Verlander

A future Hall of Fame pitcher who spent the first 13 seasons of his MLB career with the Detroit Tigers, winning a Cy Young Award and leading the team to two World Series appearances.

Eminem

A legendary rapper from Detroit whose song "Till I Collapse" was featured in the hype video Verlander shared to celebrate his return to the Tigers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Back where it all started.”

— Justin Verlander (Social media)

What’s next

In the coming days, Verlander will pose for new photos in Tigers gear, officially marking his return to the team.

The takeaway

Verlander's homecoming to Detroit is more than just a contract signing - it's a symbolic moment that represents the Tigers' belief in their ability to contend in 2026. Verlander's leadership, experience, and iconic status in the city will be invaluable as the team looks to make a deep playoff run.