Justin Verlander. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Justin Verlander making fitting return to Tigers on one-year deal

By Steve Penaloza | Last updated Feb 10, 2026 5:38 PM ET

Justin Verlander is returning to where it all started.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the right-hander is signing with the Detroit Tigers on a one-year deal. Verlander, who turns 43 on Feb. 20, will continue his Hall of Fame career for at least one more season with the team he called his home for the first 13 seasons of it.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported the deal is for one-year and $13M with $11M of it deferred.

Verlander joins an already star-studded pitching staff with Detroit that includes two-time Cy Young Award winner, and arguably the best pitcher in the majors, Tarik Skubal and top pitching free-agent acquisition Framber Valdez. Verlander and Valdez were teammates during their time with the Houston Astros and will now be reunited in Detroit.

Verlander looks to add his experience and Hall of Fame pedigree to the pitching staff of a Tigers team that went 87-75 season and reached the ALDS last season.

Right-hander Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a one-year contract. Verlander, 43 next week, returns to the team with which he spent his first 13 seasons and whose hat he'll wear in the Hall of Fame.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 10, 2026

Justin Verlander could be a nice fit with Detroit Tigers rotation

Verlander, arguably one of the best pitchers of his generation, is entering his 21st season in the major leagues. Although no longer the dominant ace he once was, Verlander showed he still has something left in the tank last season.

As a member of the San Francisco Giants, he posted a 3.85 ERA in 29 starts, showing he can still be effective even though he no longer possesses the hard fastball that would consistently reach triple-digits he once had.

With Skubal and Valdez potentially being the 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation, Verlander would be a nice fit at the back end, rounding the starting rotation into form.

Verlander will look to add to an already illustrious career that includes two World Series rings, three Cy Young awards, an AL MVP award, an ALCS MVP award, nine All-Star selections and an AL Rookie of the Year award. He has pitched three no-hitters in his career and is one of only six pitchers to ever reach that feat.

In what could potentially be the final season of his legendary career, it is fitting that he will get the chance to finish it where it all started in Detroit.

Steve Penaloza

Hi, my name is Steve, I’m 37 years old from Los Angeles, CA. I’m a husband and father of three boys. I’m a lifelong sports fan, my favorite sports teams are the 49ers, Lakers, Dodgers and LA Kings

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