Tigers linked to reunion with future Hall of Fame pitcher
Will the soon-to-be 43-year-old consider retirement?
Tigers linked to reunion with future Hall of Fame pitcher originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tarik Skubal's future with the Detroit Tigers is the burning question of the offseason. Even if the Tigers decide to hold on to Skubal, the AL Central club could go shopping for additional arms in its starting rotation.
Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer evaluated Justin Verlander's free agent market on Tuesday and listed the Tigers as a potential fit for the future Hall of Fame right-hander.
"Nonetheless, the obvious question at this point is how much he [Verlander] has left in the tank," Rymer wrote. "He'll be 43 years old on February 20, and the success he had this year obscures how he can't really overpower hitters anymore. His fastball velocity, whiff rate, and strikeout rate were all below average."
Verlander finished the 2025 season on a high note
Verlander struggled during the early portion of the 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants, but turned things around post-All-Star break.
He had a 3.62 ERA in August and a 2.08 ERA in five starts in September, holding opponents to a .212 batting average in 30.1 innings.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2011 AL MVP increased his slider usage during the year and found increased success.
Rymer believes Verlander can be a No. 3 starter in a contending team's rotation in 2026. Would the Tigers welcome a reunion?
More MLB news:
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- Robert Suarez's deal with the Braves deemed as a huge overpay
- Giants urged to take a closer look at potential outfield upgrade
- Giants unlikely to land four-time All-Star free agent this offseason
- Blue Jays' Cody Ponce contemplating WBC offer from Team Mexico
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