The Detroit Tigers are officially out of rebuild mode. With Tarik Skubal winning back-to-back Cy Young Awards and entering the final year of his contract, the message is clear: this is a win-now moment. Opportunities like this do not wait, and neither should Detroit.
May 25, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) celebrates after defeating the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
If the Tigers are serious about capitalizing on their ace’s prime, adding Justin Verlander or Max Scherzer to the rotation isn’t just appealing — it’s necessary.
Tarik Skubal Has Given the Tigers a Championship Window
Skubal has done everything a franchise ace can do. Over the past two seasons, he’s been the most dominant pitcher in the American League, pairing elite strikeout rates with durability, command, and big-game confidence. Two Cy Youngs in two years places him firmly among baseball’s elite — and puts pressure on the organization to support him.
With Skubal entering his walk year, Detroit cannot afford patience. This is the type of season teams regret wasting a decade later. Win now, or risk watching a generational run fade into “what if.”
The 2025 Tigers Rotation: Talented, Not Complete
Detroit’s starting pitching was one of the team’s strengths in 2025, but it wasn’t finished. Reese Olson continued to establish himself as a reliable, above-average starter, providing consistency behind Skubal. Casey Mize showed flashes of his former No. 1 overall pick pedigree, while Matt Manning offered upside but inconsistent results.
What the Tigers still lack is postseason-tested certainty. A veteran who can stabilize a rotation, absorb pressure, and prevent young arms from being overexposed. That missing piece could be Verlander or Scherzer.
Justin Verlander is the Perfect Fit for This Moment
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 03: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers throws a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles during Game Two of the American League Division Series at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on October 3, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
A Justin Verlander reunion makes sense on every level. Even late in his career, Verlander remains a master of pitching craft, preparation, and durability. He doesn’t need to dominate hitters with velocity anymore — he beats them with intelligence.
More importantly, Verlander understands Detroit. He knows how to pitch in Comerica Park, how to lead a clubhouse, and how to manage the weight of expectations during a pennant race. Slotting him behind Skubal would immediately give Detroit one of the most credible top-two rotations in the American League.
From an SEO standpoint and a baseball standpoint, “Justin Verlander Tigers reunion” feels inevitable.
Justin Verlander was 1 of 11 qualified SP with a sub-3.00 ERA in the 2nd half of 2025!
Even at age 42, JV is still very effective 💪 pic.twitter.com/30YpTvTayV
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) January 9, 2026
Max Scherzer Brings Edge, Urgency, and Accountability
Feb 20, 2023; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer (21) during spring training workouts. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
If the Tigers want intensity, Max Scherzer delivers it. Few pitchers in modern baseball bring Scherzer’s competitive fire, and that mentality would resonate throughout a young roster.
Max Scherzer leaves Game 7 to a standing ovation pic.twitter.com/t9cGkYp5cZ
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) November 2, 2025
Scherzer no longer needs to be an ace. He needs to set a tone. His preparation, toughness, and refusal to accept shortcuts would raise the standard for everyone around him. In a season where every game matters, that edge can be the difference between a wild-card push and a division title.
Verlander or Scherzer Reunion Has Short-Term Risk, Massive Upside for Tigers
Neither Verlander nor Scherzer requires a long-term commitment from the Tigers. That’s exactly what makes this move so attractive. The Tigers can push their chips in without compromising the future.
Detroit has payroll flexibility. The American League Central is winnable. Skubal is at the peak of his powers. Waiting would be organizational malpractice.
This is How the Contenders Act
Great teams recognize their moment and act decisively. The Tigers have their ace, their momentum, and their window. What they need now is experience — the kind that only October-tested arms provide.
Adding Justin Verlander or Max Scherzer wouldn’t be about nostalgia. It would be about urgency. About respecting Skubal’s greatness. About proving that Detroit isn’t just building — it’s ready to win.
And in 2026, that distinction matters more than ever.
Main Photo Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports