Justin Verlander is returning to the Detroit Tigers after signing a one-year deal worth $13 million.<\/p>\n
MLB.com<\/a> reports that $11 million of the deal will be deferred, but no other details about the terms of the deferred payments were disclosed at the time of publishing.<\/p>\n The Tigers shared the news across their social media platforms stating, \u201cThe Tigers have signed three-time American League Cy Young and nine-time All-Star RHP Justin Verlander to a one-year contract for the 2026 season. Welcome home, JV!\u201d<\/p>\n Fans were quick to share their reactions to the news of JV returning to Detroit, with many welcoming the veteran pitcher back to the city and the team where his career started. The comment section from the announcement on the Tigers\u2019 Instagram<\/a> was flooded with many emotional GIFs. A popular GIF used was of The Office\u2018s Michael Scott poignantly crying<\/a>.<\/p>\n Over on X, one fan wrote<\/a>, \u201cJV will be to the Tigers pitching staff just like how Kenny Rogers was to the 2006 team. A teacher, a motivater and someone who has their back. A+ move by the Tigers organization.\u201d<\/p>\n One commenter on the Tigers\u2019 Facebook page wrote<\/a>, \u201cEven if JV has a losing record this season, he brings experience, leadership, and the ability to mentor young pitchers. As someone that has played and won in the playoffs and World Series, it\u2019s an advantage and benefit to the Tigers. Worst case, he retires as a Tiger.\u201d<\/p>\n Could This Be a Victory Lap for Justin Verlander?<\/p>\n Besides the overwhelming amount of excitement over his return, many fans on social media were quick to speculate about whether this one-year deal means Verlander intends to retire as a Tiger. After all, the right-hander turns 43 on Feb. 20.<\/p>\n