Columnists Tout Justin Verlander Reunion for Tigers' 2026 Rotation

No talks are reported, with the idea framed as veteran support behind Tarik Skubal.

Overview

MLB.com's Will Leitch proposed that Detroit sign free agent Justin Verlander for a return to where he spent his first 13 seasons.
Verlander, coming off 152 innings and a 3.85 ERA with the Giants in 2025, has said he plans to keep pitching at age 43.
Analyses cast him as a short-term stabilizer who would provide reliable innings rather than serve as a rotation-carrying ace.
Tarik Skubal addressed ongoing trade chatter by saying he does not want to be traded and is staying focused on his preparation.
The Tigers announced one-year deals to avoid arbitration with Matt Vierling ($3.255 million), Jake Rogers ($3.05 million) and Beau Brieske ($1.1575 million).