Tigers manager A.J. Hinch unpacks busy offseason

Hinch discusses Verlander signing, Valdez contract, Olson injury, and more

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch spoke to reporters on the first day of 2026 spring training, discussing the team's busy offseason that included signing left-hander Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract, losing a $32 million arbitration hearing to left-hander Tarik Skubal, and signing right-hander Justin Verlander to a one-year, $13 million contract. Hinch also addressed the season-ending shoulder surgery for right-hander Reese Olson.

Why it matters

The Tigers made several high-profile moves this offseason as they look to build on their recent success and take the next step towards contending for a playoff spot. Hinch's comments provide insight into the team's thinking and the roles these new and returning players will have.

The details

Hinch discussed the team's offseason moves in detail, including the signings of Valdez and Verlander, as well as the loss of Olson for the 2026 season due to shoulder surgery. Valdez, who Hinch managed with the Astros, signed a three-year, $115 million deal, while Verlander returned to the Tigers on a one-year, $13 million contract. Olson, a promising young right-hander, will miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

  • On Feb. 2, right-hander Reese Olson underwent right shoulder labral repair surgery, ruling him out for the 2026 season.
  • On Feb. 4, the Tigers signed left-hander Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract.
  • On Feb. 10, the Tigers signed right-hander Justin Verlander to a one-year, $13 million contract.

The players

A.J. Hinch

The 12-year MLB manager of the Detroit Tigers, who previously managed Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander with the Houston Astros.

Framber Valdez

A 32-year-old left-handed pitcher who the Tigers signed to a three-year, $115 million contract. Valdez has logged more than 175 innings in each of the past four seasons.

Justin Verlander

A right-handed pitcher who the Tigers signed to a one-year, $13 million contract, bringing back a franchise icon in a full-circle moment. Verlander previously pitched for the Tigers from 2005-17.

Reese Olson

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery, ruling him out for the entire 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“I feel for him. He's had a really hard time. As much as we talk about the additions, it's a really big loss. He's sneaky underrated when it comes to people not talking about him a ton in our rotation, and when we've had him on the mound, he's been really, really good.”

— A.J. Hinch, Tigers Manager (freep.com)

“Reuniting with him in the meeting alone was really cool for me. He's come from the bottom up. A lot of people doubted him from his signing date all the way to getting him to the big leagues, and then he's flourished into one of the best pitchers in baseball.”

— A.J. Hinch, Tigers Manager (freep.com)

“That's a big addition in a lot of ways, namely the pitching side. My focus with him was entirely on what he can do to help us win on the mound. Obviously, he and I have history. He has a deeper history here with Detroit.”

— A.J. Hinch, Tigers Manager (freep.com)

What’s next

The Tigers will continue to prepare for the 2026 season, with pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training. The team will monitor Reese Olson's recovery from shoulder surgery and look to integrate Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander into the starting rotation.

The takeaway

The Tigers have made several high-profile moves this offseason, adding Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander to bolster their pitching staff, while also dealing with the loss of Reese Olson for the 2026 season. Manager A.J. Hinch's comments provide insight into the team's thinking and the roles these new and returning players will have as the Tigers look to build on their recent success and contend for a playoff spot.