The Detroit Tigers are at a pivotal point this offseason. With left-hander Tarik Skubal emerging as one of the most coveted arms in baseball, rival teams are naturally circling, wondering what kind of package it would take to pry him loose. But Detroit doesn’t appear interested in entertaining offers unless they’re blown away - and frankly, who can blame them?
If Skubal stays put - and all signs suggest he will - then the Tigers' front office has one clear directive: build a contender around him. And according to ESPN’s Eric Karabell, that plan might just include a familiar face returning to the Motor City: Justin Verlander.
Yes, that Justin Verlander.
Karabell predicts that the Tigers could reunite with their longtime ace, bringing Verlander back to Detroit after eight seasons apart. It’s the kind of move that would send a jolt through the fanbase - not just for the nostalgia, but because it actually makes baseball sense.
Verlander, now 43, isn’t the flamethrower he once was, but he’s still getting outs at a high level. Last season with the San Francisco Giants, he posted a 3.85 ERA over 29 starts - a mark that, while not vintage Verlander, still speaks to his ability to compete deep into games. His 103 ERA+ in 2025 tells the story: he’s still an above-league-average starter, even two decades into his big-league career.
And let’s be clear - this wouldn’t be a ceremonial signing. Verlander isn’t coming back just to wave to fans and tip his cap.
He can still eat innings, mentor a young rotation, and give the Tigers a real chance to win every fifth day. For a team that’s trying to make the leap from promising to playoff-caliber, that kind of presence can be invaluable.
There’s also the emotional weight of a potential Verlander return. Few players are as synonymous with the Tigers' modern era as Verlander.
From Rookie of the Year to Cy Young to MVP, he was the face of Detroit baseball for over a decade. A return now, at the tail end of a Hall of Fame career, would be a full-circle moment - and one that could energize both the clubhouse and the fan base.
Pairing Verlander with Skubal would also offer a fascinating contrast - the seasoned veteran with over 3,000 strikeouts and a World Series pedigree, alongside the homegrown ace entering his prime. It’s a storyline that writes itself, and more importantly, it’s a rotation that can win games.
The Tigers aren’t just looking for good vibes this offseason. They’re looking to win. And if they can bring Verlander back into the fold, it won’t just be a feel-good reunion - it’ll be a step toward contention.