Why did A.J. Hinch push for Justin Verlander’s reunion with the Detroit Tigers? A look at the pitching need, leadership impact, and winning mindset behind the move.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Tarik Skubal didn’t even try to play it cool. The two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner admitted he felt “giddy as a kid” to have a locker next to Justin Verlander. He called Verlander a childhood idol.

The Detroit Tigers have signed franchise legend Justin Verlander to a one-year free agent contract for the upcoming 2026 season. The club announced the move on Tuesday. The deal is for $13 million with $11 million of the total commitment being deferred, FanSided reports.

Verlander mentioned that as early as September of 2025, with the San Francisco Giants missing out on the postseason, his thoughts returned to Detroit. He reached out to the Tigers front office at the end of the season,

Verlander signed a one-year deal with the Tigers worth $13 million with $11 million deferred until 2030. So there seems to be an opening to re-up for another year, if it plays out that way. He said Thursday that he’d always figured he could pitch until he was 45.

The 1995 season was one exception. For one game only — a 12-1 defeat to the Boston Red Sox on May 7 — Detroit wore a navy blue jersey top with white pants. The logo also featured the script "D" but had a tiger walking through it.

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Justin Verlander ’s return to the Tigers on Tuesday came nine years to the day after the death of longtime owner Michael Ilitch, a coincidence that underscored how much has changed, and how much now feels familiar again.

Stay up to date with the MLB free agent market this offseason, including player signings, contract details, and team fits as the 2025-26 Hot Stove heats up.