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Justin Verlander Returns to Tigers on $13 Million Deal

2/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Detroit Tigers signed pitcher Justin Verlander to a one-year, $13 million contract for the 2026 season, with $11 million deferred starting in 2030.
Verlander returns to the Detroit Tigers, the team where he began his career in 2005.
He is a three-time AL Cy Young Award winner and a nine-time All-Star, who posted a 4-11 record with a 3.85 ERA over 29 starts last season with the Giants.

History

Historical Context

The Detroit Tigers drafted Justin Verlander as the second overall pick in the 2004 MLB draft, and he debuted in 2005. Over his 12 years with the Tigers, he became a three-time AL Cy Young Award winner and led the team to four consecutive AL Central titles from 2011 to 2014. His return to the Tigers in 2026 underscores the franchise's strategy to utilize veteran talent for competitive success.

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Story summary

The Detroit Tigers signed pitcher Justin Verlander to a one-year, $13 million contract for the 2026 season, with $11 million deferred starting in 2030.
Verlander returns to the Detroit Tigers, the team where he began his career in 2005.
He is a three-time AL Cy Young Award winner and a nine-time All-Star, who posted a 4-11 record with a 3.85 ERA over 29 starts last season with the Giants.

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