The Detroit Tigers welcomed back Justin Verlander on April 3, 2026, as they celebrated their home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at Comerica Park. Verlander, who signed a one-year, $13 million contract in February, returned to the team after nearly a decade, having previously pitched for the Tigers from 2005 to 2017.
Verlander’s illustrious career with the Tigers included a Cy Young Award and an MVP award, before he was traded to the Houston Astros in August 2017. During his time with the Astros, he achieved significant success, winning two World Series and two additional Cy Young Awards.
The Tigers’ home opener was marked by a sell-out crowd of 45,008 fans, eager to see Verlander back on the mound. The gates of Comerica Park opened at 11:30 a.m., and the official Tigers Opening Day Block Party began at 9 a.m., creating a festive atmosphere for fans.
Before the home opener, the Tigers had a combined record of 2-4, highlighting the importance of the game for the team’s morale. The first pitch was scheduled for 1:10 p.m., with fans excited to see how Verlander would perform in his return.
Chris Ilitch, the team’s owner, expressed his sentiments about Verlander’s return, stating, “He never left the Tigers family. He’s like one of us, he is one of us.” This sentiment resonated with many fans who view Verlander as a key part of the Tigers’ history.
Fans attending the event shared their excitement, with Lori Meggitt stating, “Every year we come down for Opening Day. I mean, this is a major holiday for Detroit.” Dennis Pearson added, “(Opening Day) is one of the greatest traditions in Detroit,” emphasizing the significance of the day for the community.
As the Tigers embark on the 2026 season, the return of Verlander is seen as a pivotal moment for the franchise, which has the largest payroll in its history at just under $240 million. The team hopes that his experience and leadership will help guide them through the season.
Fans like Alex Urban expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “This is a baseball town, and I’m a huge Tigers fan, and I just love being amongst friends celebrating the start of the season.” The atmosphere at Comerica Park reflected this passion, as fans gathered to support their team.
With the home opener now in the books, the Tigers look forward to building on this momentum as they continue their season. Verlander’s presence is expected to have a positive impact, both on and off the field, as the team seeks to improve its performance.
