Justin Verlander won a World Series with the Houston Astros, but it's with the Detroit Tigers where he built the foundation of his legendary career in the majors. With him bound to become a free agent, it doesn't come as much of a surprise that people are wondering whether he can call Comerica Park home again.
The Astros' pitcher recently touched on the subject, though he didn't give a solid indication that he's seriously considering a move back to Detroit.
Via Evan Petzold of Detroit Free Press:
“I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about it,” Verlander told the Free Press, after breaking down his 2011 MVP season. “Yeah, of course. I loved playing there. I love the city. I love the fans. Yes, I do think about it. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what's best for my career. If that aligns with that possibility, then maybe it does.”
The 38-year-old Astros righty spent his first 13 years in the majors with the Tigers. During that stretch, he made a total of six All-Star appearances won an MVP (2011), and took home the first (2011) of his two Cy Young Awards. He would add another Cy Young to his resume eight years later with the Astros in 2019.
Of course, Verlander, who underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2020, would say he loves Detroit and its fans, but he's not going to directly describe the situation of the Tigers franchise as dim and lacking clear direction. The Tigers have not gone above .500 since 2016, and it's just not a prime destination for someone like Verlander who's looking to win in the twilight years of his career.
Verlander was traded to the Astros in 2017 by the Tigers for Franklin Perez, Daz Cameron, and Jake Rogers.
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