Overview
- Detroit will pay Verlander $2 million in 2026 with roughly $11 million deferred to begin in 2030, lowering the near-term payroll hit.
- The move rounds out a deep projected rotation of Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez, Jack Flaherty, Verlander and Casey Mize entering spring training.
- Right-handers Reese Olson (shoulder labral repair) and Jackson Jobe (Tommy John recovery) were placed on the 60-day IL, with Olson expected to miss 2026.
- Verlander, 43 next week, is coming off 29 starts for the Giants with a 3.85 ERA and a stronger second half that reinforced his short-term value.
- His return to Detroit removes a high-profile starter from the market, narrowing options for clubs like the Yankees and intensifying late free-agent pitching dynamics.