Justin Verlander Returns to Detroit Tigers

Future Hall of Famer signs one-year, $13 million contract to rejoin the team he spent 12 seasons with

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Justin Verlander, the future Hall of Fame pitcher, has signed a one-year, $13 million contract to return to the Detroit Tigers, the team he played for from 2006 to 2017. Verlander, who is 43 years old, is looking to win his first World Series title with the Tigers and cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats. He spoke at length about his decision to come back to Detroit, his personal growth, and his goals for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Verlander's return to the Tigers is a major boost for the franchise as they look to contend for a championship. As one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, Verlander's presence on the mound and in the clubhouse will be invaluable for the team's young pitching staff. His homecoming also resonates with the Tigers' loyal fanbase, who have followed Verlander's career since he broke into the majors in 2006.

The details

Verlander, who hasn't pitched for the Tigers since 2017, said he had the team on his mind at the end of last season and reached out to team president Scott Harris, owner Chris Ilitch, and manager A.J. Hinch to express his interest in returning. Despite some initial doubts about whether there would be room for him on the roster, an opening in the pitching staff ultimately paved the way for Verlander's comeback. The veteran right-hander is excited to mentor the Tigers' young pitchers, especially Tarik Skubal, and help the team make a run at the World Series title that has eluded him during his career.

  • Verlander last pitched for the Tigers on August 30, 2017.
  • Verlander signed his one-year, $13 million contract with the Tigers in February 2026.

The players

Justin Verlander

A future Hall of Fame pitcher who spent the first 12 years of his MLB career with the Detroit Tigers, winning an AL Cy Young Award and making multiple All-Star teams. He is now 43 years old and looking to win his first World Series title.

Scott Harris

The president of baseball operations for the Detroit Tigers, who worked out the deal to bring Verlander back to the team.

Chris Ilitch

The owner of the Detroit Tigers, who is carrying on his late father Mike Ilitch's commitment to building a championship-caliber team.

A.J. Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers, who has a close relationship with Verlander dating back to their time together with the Houston Astros.

Tarik Skubal

A young, promising pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who Verlander is excited to mentor and learn from.

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What they’re saying

“It was definitely in the back of my mind. I grew up in front of the fans in Detroit. I grew up in Detroit. I was a 21-year-old when I got here in Lakeland for the first time. Just so much history here.”

— Justin Verlander (freep.com)

“The one thing, obviously, I would like to accomplish in Detroit that I had a couple shots at that I really regret not achieving was a World Series title.”

— Justin Verlander (freep.com)

“I'm excited to reexperience Detroit in a new mindset.”

— Justin Verlander (freep.com)

“My daughter really changed me to the core. I just wanted to be more present. It's something I really worked hard on.”

— Justin Verlander (freep.com)

“It's helped a lot. It's something that I've actively worked on – my communication in the locker room. That mindset I talked about earlier wasn't really conducive to being the best teammate when I was younger.”

— Justin Verlander (freep.com)

What’s next

The Tigers will monitor Verlander's progress closely during spring training as he prepares to rejoin the starting rotation. The team and fans will be eager to see if the veteran can recapture the dominant form that made him one of the best pitchers of his generation.

The takeaway

Justin Verlander's return to the Detroit Tigers represents a full-circle moment for the future Hall of Famer, who is looking to cement his legacy by helping the team win its first World Series title since 1984. Verlander's maturity, leadership, and wealth of experience will be invaluable assets for the Tigers' young pitching staff as they aim to contend for a championship.