The MLB offseason is winding down, but don’t be fooled-there’s still plenty of movement happening before pitchers and catchers report. With a month to go before Opening Day prep kicks into full gear, teams are making their final pushes to shore up rosters.
The Colorado Rockies and Detroit Tigers both made notable moves recently, each adding veteran arms with something to prove. Let’s break down what these signings mean and where things stand around the league.
Rockies Add Veteran Stability with Jose Quintana
The Rockies are coming off a rough 2025 campaign-no sugarcoating it. They struggled to find consistency on the mound and are clearly looking to inject some veteran presence into a young, developing roster. Enter Jose Quintana.
Quintana, now entering his 15th MLB season, has been around the block. He’s pitched in big markets, handled pressure, and knows how to navigate a long season.
Colorado is betting that his experience can help stabilize a rotation that desperately needs it. While Quintana’s best years may be behind him, his leadership and ability to eat innings could be exactly what the Rockies need as they look to avoid another basement finish.
This could be a swan song season for Quintana, and he’ll be motivated to bounce back after a disappointing 2025. If he can stay healthy and deliver quality starts, this signing might quietly become one of the more underrated moves of the offseason.
Verlander Comes Full Circle with Detroit
In one of the more poetic moves of the offseason, Justin Verlander is heading back to where it all began. The 41-year-old has agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal with the Tigers, a contract that includes $11 million in deferred money. It’s not just a feel-good reunion-it’s a strategic move by Detroit to add depth and experience to an already intriguing rotation.
Let’s talk about that rotation: Tarik Skubal is blossoming into a frontline ace, Framber Valdez brings postseason experience, Casey Mize is looking to bounce back healthy, and Jack Flaherty offers solid middle-rotation value. Add Verlander to the mix, and suddenly the Tigers have a staff that can compete in the AL Central.
Verlander’s 2025 season with the Giants was far from his vintage form-he posted a 3.85 ERA with a 4-11 record-but he’s shown time and again that he can reinvent himself. If he can find even a fraction of his former dominance, Detroit could be looking at a very savvy addition.
Free Agent Arms Still on the Market
While some teams are locking in their final pieces, a few high-profile names are still waiting for the right deal. Zac Gallen remains unsigned, which is surprising given the level he’s pitched at in recent years. He’s a frontline-caliber starter who could instantly boost any rotation.
Max Scherzer is also still on the board. Like Verlander and Quintana, he’s a veteran nearing the end of the line, but his track record speaks for itself. The question now is which team is willing to take the gamble-and how much time is left before spring training plans are finalized.
There’s a handful of other pitchers still searching for a home, and with the clock ticking, the market could heat up quickly. Teams with rotation holes-or those looking for depth insurance-may start getting aggressive as the regular season approaches.
Final Thoughts
We’re in the final stretch of the MLB offseason, and while the big headline-grabbing moves may be behind us, these late signings can often make a major difference come summer. Whether it’s a veteran finding one last spark or a team adding the missing piece to a playoff puzzle, the next few weeks will be key.
The Rockies are hoping Jose Quintana can bring some steadiness to a shaky staff. The Tigers are banking on Justin Verlander to bring leadership and a touch of nostalgia to a rising rotation. And across the league, teams are still weighing their options with free agents like Gallen and Scherzer.
Baseball’s slow burn of an offseason is nearing its conclusion-but there’s still drama left before the first pitch is thrown.