The Detroit Tigers needed pitching due to two key contributors’ injuries. Reese Olsen, who dealt with shoulder issues in 2025, went under the knife on February 2, 2026, to repair the labral in his throwing shoulder. Jackson Jobe was placed on the 60-day IL as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery. Enter former Detroit Tiger and massive fan favorite, Justin Verlander whom the Tigers signed to a 1- year $13M contract.
Will there be questions on how the soon to be 43 year old Verlander fits the Detroit rotation? Possibly. But there should not be. Verlander, who will most likely be the fifth starter, adds good depth and a veteran to the back half of the rotation, and if his second half number are any indication, Detroit should have a more than serviceable pitcher.
During the 2025 MLB season, Justin Verland struggled in the early (0-8 after 16 starts) part of the season. Then the resurgence was on. After the All-Star break, Verlander posted a 2.99 ERA and had a nice run in September, holding opponents to a .228 average in his final 13 starts. Verlander would finish 2025, 4-11 with a 3.85 ERA.
DUNEDIN, FL – FEBRUARY 16: President of Baseball Operations for the Detroit Tigers Scott Harris speaks to the media during the Spring Training Grapefruit League Media Day at Blue Jays Player Development Complex on Thursday, February 16, 2023 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Throw the 4-11 record out the window as it seems the Tigers front office has and listen to President, Baseball Operation, Scott Harris, who said he feels they have pinpointed part of the issued that hampered Verlander for a portion of last season. Harris suggested that a couple of technical adjustments are all that is needed to help the pitcher. Verlander seemed to agree, talking about position-shift on the rubber as wells lower-body adjustments.
DETROIT, MI – MAY 18: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers acknowldeges the fans after giving up one hit in the ninth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park on May 18, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Pirates 6-0. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
As much as certain people are leaning into the nostalgia side of the signing, there is a bit of that. Verlander pitched in Detroit for 13-seasons before being traded to the Houston Astros in 2017. At 43-years old and closer to the end of his Hall of Fame worthy career, Verlander said he had told his agent and Scott Harris he wanted to return to the Tigers organization, which at the time did not have an ope spot in the rotation until Reese Olsen had season ending surgery.
Make no mistake, the Tigers are one of the favorites in the American League, and Verlander, who said his lone mistake/ regret was not winning a World Series in Detroit, has the opportunity to do just that. That would be a storybook ending to his career.
Agreed. Verlander was a need. He also just so happened to be a Tiger legend.
The Verlander signing gives the Tigers pitching options beyond the starters.