DETROIT. – Justin Verlander’s return to the Detroit Tigers is official. The star pitcher has agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract, with $11 million deferred. This agreement marks Verlander’s return to the team where he began his successful career in Major League Baseball.
As he approaches his 21st MLB season, Verlander continues to solidify a legacy that places him among the most outstanding pitchers of all time. The right-hander has three Cy Young awards, nine All-Star Game appearances, two ERA titles, the American League MVP award in 2011, and two World Series rings. In addition, he is one of six pitchers in history with three no-hitters.
Its impact has also been felt in October. In more than 226 postseason appearances, he has a 3.58 ERA and was recognized as MVP of the American League Championship Series in 2017 with Houston.
Far from thinking about retirement, Verlander proved in 2025 that he still has a lot to offer. At 42 years old, he made 29 starts with the San Francisco Giants, posting an ERA of 3.85 and surpassing the 3,500 strikeouts mark in his career. He currently ranks eighth all-time with 3,553 strikeouts.
Although he no longer regularly reaches 100 miles per hour with his fastball, Verlander remains effective thanks to the quality of his secondary pitches. Last year, he limited hard contact to 37%, ranking in the 78th percentile among qualified pitchers. His changeup was punished for a mere .200 average and his sweeper proved almost untouchable, allowing an average of just .058.
It is important to note that the right was not subject to Draft compensation, as he had previously received a qualifying offer, which facilitated the agreement without penalties for Detroit.
Verlander debuted in 2005 with the Tigers at 22 years old and remained 13 seasons in the organization before going through Astros, Mets and Giants. With Houston he conquered two World Series titles (2017 and 2022). Now, the veteran returns to the place where it all began with the firm intention of continuing to compete at the highest level. His declared goal is to pitch at least until he is 45 years old, and in Detroit he will have the opportunity to continue writing his legacy.
