Justin Verlander’s return hype reel has Tigers fans' nostalgia at an all-time high

Although the news of Reese Olson's season-ending shoulder surgery knocked some of the wind out of our sails, nothing could bring Tigers fans down fully from the high of getting Justin Verlander back.

Verlander re-signed with the Tigers for a year and $13 million ($11 million of which is deferred) and reported to spring training along with the rest of the pitchers and catchers on Wednesday, but not before posting a hype reel of his early years with the Tigers on Twitter and Instagram, featuring Eminem's "Till I Collapse."

He also changed his profile picture on both accounts to a throwback: JV on photo day in his rookie season, wearing the Old English D.

If Tigers fans weren't already amped by the signing (if such a fan even exists), Verlander's clear excitement to be back is infectious. Fans have been quick to remind everyone: Verlander never wanted to leave. He initially blocked the Tigers' trade that eventually sent him to the Astros. He wanted to come back last year, but the Tigers front office (foolishly) told him "thanks, but no thanks."

And now, he's back where he belongs.

Justin Verlander shares hype reel, changes profile picture after Tigers signing

Tigers players were quick to celebrate the news; Tarik Skubal posted a GIF of Tigers Verlander celebrating following the news. Others were slower to it, but no less excited: Parker Meadows reportedly had no idea that they'd signed Verlander until he walked into the spring training clubhouse, and Meadows had to inquire about his presence.

Verlander's signing is an immediate balm to Tigers losing Olson, but it was also just a smart move on every front. Verlander will sell tickets and MLB.TV subscriptions as they wade into the future without an RSN to provide revenue, he'll provide a true veteran presence in the clubhouse, and he's already gotten fans more excited than ever for the 2026 season.

We almost certainly aren't going to see the JV who could throw over 200 innings, multiple complete games, and strike out 10+ batters through nine in a single season, but that isn't what the Tigers signed him to do. His second half with the Giants last year — 2.99 ERA in 14 innings — is where we should set our expectations. And for a guy going into his age-43 season? That's more than enough.

Verlander doesn't have anything more to do to prove that he's a future Hall of Famer, but he has a real chance this year to bookend his career with a bang.