Getty
The Detroit Tigers and hurler Justin Verlander are facing a full-circle moment this season as the former ace returns.
Earlier this week, hurler Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers agreed to a one-year pact worth $13 million. The 42-year-old wants to give the Majors one final kick before calling it quits.
Of course, there’s no indication Verlander is looking to hang up his cleats. But this reunion is the type of full-circle moment legends in various sports utilize to close out their careers. Some stars sign a one-day contract just to end their career with the team they began with.
But for the Tigers and Verlander, it’s much more than just closing out a legendary MLB career. Velander is still an effective pitcher at his ace. He’s no longer the intimidating force of his Detroit heyday, but he’ll be a major factor in the Tigers’ starting rotation.
Verlander last pitched for the Tigers in 2017. Since then, Detroit fans endured a rebuild that featured painful 100-loss seasons. But now that the club is heading back to the top of the Majors, Verlander’s return could be the sentimental subplot to highlight what could be a successful season.
Tigers fans should make no mistake. This iteration is no longer Verlander’s. This Detroit squad belongs to Tarik Skubal. The reigning AL Cy Young winner is the alpha in the Tigers’ clubhouse.
But then again, getting Verlander back in the fold could be the calming veteran presence that all young aces need.
Verlander Chasing 300 Wins
One of the hallmarks of great Hall of Fame pitchers is 300 wins. That was the benchmark for starters wanting to enter Cooperstown. However, that mark has now changed significantly. 300 career wins is no longer a reasonable target.
The Tigers, like every MLB team, have taken a more measured approach in managing pitchers’ workloads. Gone are the days of 200-plus innings teams expected their starters to take on. Along with that, the four or five-man rotations seem like a relic.
Now, bullpen games and workload management are the norm for pitchers. That’s why Verlander, with 266 career wins, would need to pitch two or three more seasons with the Tigers to have a legitimate shot at 300 wins.
Yes, Verlander could do it. It’s certainly attainable on a talented team like Detroit. But the odds are definitely not in his favor.
Tigers Are the Best Place for Verlander to End Career
Again, this conversation is not about Verlander seeing the end of his illustrious career. But one has to think that Verlander could be nearing the end of the line. If that’s the case, wouldn’t ending his career where everything started be the perfect way to go out?
It would be even better if Verlander’s time in Detroit could culminate in a World Series championship. The path forward for the Tigers won’t be easy. They’ll have to contend with a tough AL Central and a potential showdown with a powerhouse club like the Toronto Blue Jays or New York Yankees in the postseason.
But if there’s anyone who could find an extra gear to put a poetic ending to a season, it’s Verlander. He has done it before, and he could do it again.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
More Heavy on Tigers
Loading more stories