Verlander, who will turn 43 this season, previously pitched for Detroit from 2005‑2017 and posted a 3.85 ERA with 137 strikeouts in 29 starts last year. His deal is structured with a $2 million base salary for 2026 and $11 million deferred, limiting short‑term payroll impact while adding veteran stability to the rotation.
Manager A.J. Hinch said the move is about winning, not nostalgia, noting that Verlander’s experience and clubhouse presence can elevate the Tigers. “He’s here to help us win on the mound,” Hinch told the Detroit Free Press, adding that the team now needs a “little bump” to push it forward.