Tigers Face Big Questions on Verlander, Jansen for 2026

Veteran pitchers must produce for Detroit to reach postseason

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:42pm

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The Detroit Tigers made big offseason moves to sign veteran pitchers Justin Verlander and Kenley Jansen, but the team needs the longtime MLB stars to perform well in 2026 if they want to reach the postseason. While Verlander and Jansen bring impressive career accomplishments, the Tigers require strong contributions from the duo to complement their talented rotation and bullpen.

Why it matters

The Tigers are in a win-now mode, with young ace Tarik Skubal set to hit free agency after the 2026 season. Verlander and Jansen's production could be the difference between the Tigers making a deep playoff run or falling short of their goals.

The details

Verlander, the active MLB leader in wins with 266, and Jansen, the active leader in saves with 477, were two of the Tigers' biggest offseason additions. While their veteran presence and Hall of Fame credentials provide a narrative boost, the Tigers need the duo to actually perform well on the field this season. Detroit has a strong rotation even without Verlander, but his continued excellence could elevate the staff. Similarly, Jansen's success as the closer would be a major boost over the team's other relief options.

  • Verlander has 266 career wins, the most among active MLB pitchers.
  • Jansen has 477 career saves, the most among active MLB pitchers.
  • Jansen recorded his first save for the Tigers on Opening Day 2026.

The players

Justin Verlander

A future Hall of Fame pitcher who is the active MLB leader in wins with 266.

Kenley Jansen

A veteran closer who is the active MLB leader in saves with 477.

Tarik Skubal

A young Tigers starting pitcher who is in his final year of club control before free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Detroit needs these guys to produce, because the Tigers seem like a team very close to getting over the top.”

— Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Writer

What’s next

The Tigers will be closely monitoring Verlander and Jansen's performances throughout the 2026 season, as their production could be the difference between a deep playoff run and a disappointing end to the year.

The takeaway

The Tigers' success in 2026 may hinge on whether veteran stars Justin Verlander and Kenley Jansen can recapture their past dominance and provide a boost to the team's rotation and bullpen. If the duo performs well, Detroit could be a force in the postseason, but if they struggle, it could derail the team's win-now aspirations.