Verlander spent his first 13 years with the Tigers before being traded to the Astros in 2017. The AL Cy Young and 2012 MVP, Verlander was a six-time All-Star during his time in Detroit, posting an ERA of 3.49 and a WHIP of 1.191 over his 2,511 innings, striking out 2,373 batters with 766 walks.
While the circle of Verlander’s career is a beautiful story, it is also a story perhaps born out of necessity. The Tigers announced on Tuesday, pitcher Reese Olson will miss the 2026 season after undergoing surgery for a right shoulder labral repair.
Reese Olson quietly takes a significant loss for the Detroit Tigers
Olson played just 13 games for the Tigers in 2025 as he missed time due to inflammation in his right ring finger and a strained right shoulder. He had impressed when he was able to take the mound, posting a 3.15 ERA and a 1.209 WHIP over his 68.2 innings, striking out 65 batters with 25 walks.
Verlander, 42, is not the same pitcher he was during his first stint with the Tigers. He overcame a rough start to 2025 and had another solid performance, posting a 3.85 ERA and a 1.362 WHIP over his 152 innings with the Giants, striking out 137 batters with 52 walks.
There’s a good chance that Verlander won’t be able to match Olson’s performance at this stage of his career. However, with Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez at the top of the rotation, the Tigers don’t need him. All they need is someone to take the ball every fifth day and deliver quality innings. If Verlander can do that, his return to Detroit could result in a playoff berth.
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