Tigers Deal for Verlander More Clear After Nightmare Reese Olson Injury Update

Young Tigers pitcher Reese Olson to miss entire 2026 season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Detroit Tigers made a surprising move to bring back veteran pitcher Justin Verlander on a one-year, $13 million contract. This came just hours after the team announced that young right-hander Reese Olson, who had shown promise, underwent season-ending shoulder surgery and will miss the entire 2026 campaign.

Why it matters

The Olson injury is a major setback for the Tigers' rotation, as the 26-year-old had emerged as a potential future ace. Bringing in Verlander helps offset this loss, but the team will still be without a key piece of their future plans.

The details

Olson, who had a 3.15 ERA and 1.7 bWAR over 13 starts in 2025 before injury issues arose, underwent surgery on February 2 to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. This will sideline him for the entire 2026 season. The Tigers then announced the surprising signing of Verlander, who is returning to Detroit for his 21st MLB season on a one-year, $13 million deal.

  • Olson underwent shoulder surgery on February 2, 2026.
  • The Tigers announced Olson's season-ending injury on February 11, 2026.
  • The Tigers signed Verlander to a one-year, $13 million contract on February 11, 2026.

The players

Reese Olson

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who has shown promise but will miss the 2026 season due to shoulder surgery.

Justin Verlander

A veteran right-handed pitcher who is returning to the Detroit Tigers on a one-year, $13 million contract for the 2026 season.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.