Ashley MacLennanMon, November 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM UTC·3 min readHappy Monday, everyone. It’s another week closer to the 2026 baseball season, so of course, we have some hot stove updates to warm you. We’ve got plenty of rumors circulating about the Tigers and Tarik Skubal, but a fun non-Skubal discussion suggests that Justin Verlander might be a good fit to return to Detroit as he’s now a free agent and had a solid 2025 campaign. We’ve got more on that below, as well as how Skubal is taking the trade chatter.
Plus, outside Detroit, we’ve got WPBL news, Hall of Fame debate, and the first big trade of the offseason between the Mets and Rangers. Let’s get right into it.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDetroit Tigers News
In an article making a case for free agents to reunite with former teams, a common suggestion is returning for the Tigers. Should the team reunite with former ace Justin Verlander? It’s certainly up for debate with Tigers fans, and we’d love to know your thoughts in the comments. Will Leitch says the following:
It is a little underappreciated how good Verlander was in 2025. Sure, he only had four wins, leaving him 34 short of that 300 mark he wants, but he threw 152 innings with a 3.85 ERA, making him an above-average starting pitcher at the tender age of 42. He’ll be 43 when the season starts, which would make it even more perfect for him to return to Detroit, where he of course broke in and spent the first 13 years of his career.
The Tigers need pitching. Verlander needs a home. And, frankly, the rest of us need this. How has this not already happened?
The Tigers could be a potential landing spot for Nolan Arenado.
Could Ryan Helsley be trying a new role as a starter? The Tigers are reportedly interested.
Tarik Skubal reacted to all the trade rumors about him, and this was how he’s feeling about all the hubbub.
“It’s not like I want to be traded, so it’s kind of like, why am I in these conversations? At the end of the day, it doesn’t really impact what I do day-to-day. I try to just stay out of it and not look at it. That’s how I’ve handled it at the trade deadline in years past.”
Meanwhile, why does trading Skubal actually make sense for the Tigers?
And while we’re at it, what are some potential trade packages the Tigers might expect if they did deal Skubal? ($)
Some updates on contracts for the coming season.
Troy Melton has been named Rookie of the Year by the Detroit Sports Media.
Happy belated birthday to Tarik Skubal!
MLB News
Kiri Oler brings us an update on the players and teams that will make up the inaugural season of the WPBL.
Jay Jaffe makes a Hall of Fame case for Barry Bonds.
An update on the umpire rankings just in time for the arrival of the ABS next season.
One team for each position that is most in need of an upgrade. (spoiler, the Tigers are on the list, and need a third baseman)
The Mariners will retire the number 51 for a second time in 2026, this time for Randy Johnson.
A collection of K-Pop opening pitches!
Marcus Semien is on the move, headed to the Mets.
Who won the trade between the Rangers and Mets in the Marcus Semien/Brandon Nimmo trade?
