Verlander returns to Tigers on 1-year deal reportedly worth $13M

The Detroit Tigers signed right-hander Justin Verlander to a one-year contract Tuesday, setting him up to play a 21st season.

The deal is worth $13 million, according to Robert Murray of FanSided, who adds that it includes $11 million in deferrals.

Verlander spent the first 13 years of his career with the Tigers, winning an AL MVP (2011), AL Cy Young (2011), and AL Rookie of the Year (2006) to go along with six All-Star nods.

The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer is a three-time Cy Young winner, two-time World Series champion, and member of the vaunted 3,000-strikeout club who's suited up for the Tigers, Houston Astros, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants.

Verlander posted a 3.85 ERA with 3.85 FIP and 8.1 K/9 over 152 innings (29 starts) for the Giants in 2025.

Detroit's rotation appeared full after the signing of Framber Valdez. However, a spot for Verlander opened up Tuesday when the team announced that right-hander Reese Olson will miss the season following surgery to repair a torn labrum. Olson, who was placed on the 60-day injured list to free up a 40-man roster spot, underwent the procedure last week.

This marks the latest setback for the 26-year-old Olson, who had his breakout 2025 campaign halted by a shoulder strain in mid-July. He also dealt with a shoulder problem in 2024.

With Olson out, Detroit's rotation now projects to feature Verlander and Valdez alongside two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, plus right-handers Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize.

The Tigers also added outfield depth Tuesday by agreeing to a minor-league deal with Austin Slater, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic.