Justin Verlander Signs 1-Year Deal with Tigers: Back Where It Began
Justin Verlander is returning to where his Major League career started. The future Hall of Famer agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal ($11 million deferred) with the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Verlander, who turns 43 on Feb. 20, will pitch his 21st big league season in Detroit—the same city where he debuted at age 22 in 2005.
The Deal
Why It Matters
Verlander is one of the most decorated starting pitchers in MLB history: three Cy Young Awards, nine All-Star selections, two ERA titles, the 2011 AL MVP, two World Series rings (Astros, 2017 and 2022), and three career no-hitters—one of only six pitchers with three or more. He has 226 career postseason innings with a 3.58 ERA and was MVP of the 2017 AL Championship Series with Houston. In 2025 with the San Francisco Giants, Verlander proved he still has plenty left. In his age-42 season he posted a 3.85 ERA over 29 starts and surpassed the 3,500-strikeout mark; he finished the year eighth all-time with 3,553 strikeouts, having passed Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry for that spot. His 37% hard-hit rate ranked in the 78th percentile among qualified pitchers, and his changeup and sweeper remained effective—opponents hit .200 against the changeup and .058 against the sweeper.
The Tigers Rotation
Verlander joins a staff that already includes Tarik Skubal (two-time Cy Young Award winner) and Framber Valdez—a former Astros rotation mate. Valdez signed a multi-year deal with Detroit earlier this offseason. The Tigers are building a veteran-led rotation as they push toward contention.
Full Circle
Verlander spent his first 13 seasons (2005–17) with the Tigers before being traded to the Astros. He later pitched for the Mets and, in 2025, the Giants. After signing with San Francisco last offseason he said his goal was "proving that I still have it" and that he hoped to pitch until at least age 45. Returning to Detroit gives him a chance to chase that goal in the uniform where it all began.
What It Means for AthX
Verlander’s return to Detroit strengthens an already elite rotation with Skubal and Valdez; Tigers rotation shares may see a bump as the market prices in depth and upside. His own dynamic pricing will reflect his innings, performance, and role in Comerica Park. Dividend-focused holders get another high-volume, high-profile arm in the same portfolio. Browse the marketplace to see how Verlander's return affects Tigers player values on AthX. *Sources: MLB.com – Verlander signs with Tigers, MLB.com – Verlander 8th all-time in strikeouts, ESPN – Verlander 3,500th strikeout. Fact-checked February 10, 2026.*