HOMECOMING: Justin Verlander SHOCKS Detroit Tigers World With Epic Return, Reese Olson Out for 2026

Detroit Tigers fans rejoice as Justin Verlander returns to the Motor City on a one-year deal, igniting hope for a magical season. Could Verlander’s comeback signal the Tigers’ first AL Central championship in over a decade? Emotional tributes, nostalgic moments, and a bold commitment to winning headline this episode, as the franchise shifts gears towards immediate success.

Scott Bentley breaks down Verlander’s contract details, examines his projected role as a league-average fifth starter, and explores the Tigers’ revamped rotation featuring Tarik Skubal, Frambois Valdez, and Jack Flaherty. The show covers key setbacks—Rhys Olsen’s season-ending injury—and how Detroit’s pitching depth may offset losses. With the Tigers’ payroll soaring into the MLB top ten and fresh optimism sweeping the fanbase, can this new-look squad finally deliver postseason glory? Discover why Verlander’s homecoming could make 2026 the most electrifying Tigers campaign in years.

00:00 Justin Verlander’s Emotional Return
03:11 “Highest Tigers Fan Excitement Yet”
09:09 “Finding the Right Candidates”
12:56 “Pitch Evolution and the Sweeper”
16:52 “Tigers’ Moves Sparks Hope, Doubt”
20:11 Tigers’ Pitching Depth Impresses
21:01 “Future Rotation Outlook Improves”
26:56 Tigers’ Aggressive Commitment to Winning
30:35 “Pitching Focus Amid Offensive Concerns”
32:49 “Verlander Returns to Tigers”

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49 comments
  1. Scotty B!!! Im weeping tears of joy right along with you!! I was totally speechless to hear the news earlier today!! This is so cool!! I can't help but to think that this will be a special year! Win or lose, publicity stunt or not….. im soooo ready for Tigers baseball 2026!!!!!
    What the hell…. let's give him opening day!!!!

  2. The dude is "washed" or what the kids call "buns" now. lol…but maybe they brought Verlander back to teach Skubal on how not to be a pussy and take himself out of games. Either way the Tigers sold a few tickets today, and that is all that matters to Chris Ilitch.

  3. When Greg Maddux return to the franchise he should had never been allow to leave (Cubs), I was bawling like a baby. So, Cubs fans get your emotions about JV's return. Hopefully he stays healthy and finishes his career with the Tigers and hitting 300 W's (which should happen in 2027) .

  4. With this $11mill deferred payment. Are we looking at JV transitioning into a coaching role once he stops playing?
    With the pitching rotation the required amount of runs per game to be produced by the offence drops…
    Picture this: we’re three zip up against LA in the World Series, we’re leading 7-0 in game 4 at Comerica, top of the 9th JV comes out to close the game.

  5. Just don't start him post season please..
    We've been down this road before.
    I like him, but he's no savior.
    You guys might want to review his post season record with the tigers

  6. This is so awesome. Valdez and JV? And a shout out to Mickey Lolich. Rest in Peace, Mick. You and the boys of the summer of 1968 will always be heroes to me. The Tigers need to add a monument to Comerica's monument row of that iconic moment when Mickey got the last out in game 7 of the 68 series and leaped into Bill Freehan's arms in celebration of the WS win.

  7. JV is back, its not single digit temps in michigan, pitchers and catchers report. The only words that come to mind are from ice cube, “today was a good day”

  8. This is one of the happiest days I’ve had as a tigers fan in years, it’s really hard to describe how much JV meant to all Tigers fans who grew up in the 2010s. I love being a Tigers fan and being a part of this community. So glad our boy is home. Go Tigers forever

  9. Hot STUFF. cool things. Sure the tigers need a bat. Still Illitch needs an apology for the penny pincher comments I have made. I apologize. Now get a position upgrade. Please!

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