It’s homecoming season in Detroit, and Tigers fans have something to celebrate. Justin Verlander, the future Hall of Famer, is back on board for the 2026 season with a one-year contract worth $13 million. The catch? Most of it, $11 million, will come later, starting in 2030.
At 43, Verlander shows no signs of slowing down. He’s expressed a desire to keep playing well into his mid-40s. Last season was solid for him, especially considering he started slow. In total, he pitched 152 innings for the Giants, sporting a 3.85 ERA. More impressively, he hit his stride in the second half. Over his last 13 appearances, he logged a fantastic 2.60 ERA with a 22.8% strikeout rate.
These numbers highlight why Verlander is still a valuable asset. He may have only won four games last season due to limited run support, but he consistently limited hard contact and maintained an average fastball speed of 93.9 mph.
Verlander’s return adds strength to the Tigers’ pitching rotation. He joins former Astros teammate Framber Valdez, who recently signed a three-year deal for $115 million. Alongside ace Tarik Skubal and others like Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize, the Detroit rotation looks formidable. However, injuries could impact their season, as prospect Reese Olson recently underwent surgery.
Interestingly, Verlander’s contract aligns with recent arbitration talks regarding Skubal, who recently won a hearing against the Tigers. This might have influenced how the team structured Verlander’s deal.
Historically, Verlander was drafted second overall by the Tigers back in 2004. He currently sits at 266 career wins, tied with legends Bob Feller and Eppa Rixey. He aims for the 300-win milestone, which requires at least three more seasons of strong performance.
Verlander’s return also pushes the Tigers into luxury tax territory for the first time, putting them $12 million over the $244 million threshold. This signals a serious commitment to winning, especially as Skubal approaches free agency.
Overall, with revitalized focus and veteran leadership, the Tigers are poised to make a serious run in the AL Central. Verlander’s presence may inspire younger pitchers, like prospect Jackson Jobe, to elevate their game.
For more insights on player contracts and MLB strategies, you can check out USA Today and Fangraphs.
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