Justin Verlander, Tigers Agree to Contract for Reunion in 2026 MLB Free Agency, Updated Rotation

Justin Verlander is coming home.

The Detroit Tigers announced on Tuesday that the right-hander will return to the Motor City:

Robert Murray of FanSided reported the two sides agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract, with $11 million in deferrals.

The news comes after the Tigers signed left-hander Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract and after two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal was awarded a record $32 million salary in arbitration. As a result, here's a look at Detroit's updated rotation:

Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner himself, is coming off a 2025 season in which he owned a 4-11 record in 29 starts to go along with a 3.85 ERA and 1.362 WHIP.

In 2024, Verlander posted a 5.48 ERA while missing almost two months due to a neck injury.

Even if his status as one of the top pitchers in the majors may be in the rearview mirror, Detroit will be hoping that he can look a bit like his former self with a change of scenery.

After all, Verlander still compiled a 2.45 ERA while averaging 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings from 2022-23 with the Houston Astros and New York Mets.

Verlander spent the first 13 years of his legendary career in Detroit. He went 183-114 with a 3.49 ERA while piling up 2,373 strikeouts. He won the 2007 AL Rookie of the Year, the 2011 AL MVP award, the 2011 AL Cy Young award and was named to six All-Star teams.

Now, he will return to the Tigers as his career winds down.