Happy Wednesday, everyone! Tigers fans got an unexpected surprise yesterday when the team announced a one-year deal with Justin Verlander. Verlander, who began his career in Detroit, was a beloved former ace for the club, and the reunion—that might be more of a farewell tour—feels like an appropriate next chapter for both Verlander and the club.
In today’s news bites we’ll also look at Paul Goldschmidt’s reunion with the Yankees, plus the lockout-proof contract Cody Bellinger signed with the Bronx Bombers. We’ll also explore how the World Baseball Classic managed to help form some of the best pitching we’ve seen in MLB, and also puzzle out precisely how we’re all supposed to watch baseball this season.
Let’s get right into it!
- Paul Goldschmidt will be home in New York, New York this season. Story by Ben Clemens.
- Ben Clemens reports that the Pirates have signed Marcell Ozuna.
- Kennedi Landry shares the iconic Nolan Ryan moment that the Rangers are turning into a bloody interesting giveaway.
- Jason Foster looks at the top player in every position headed into the 2026 season.
- Stephanie Apstein looks at the lockout-proof provision Cody Bellinger built into his contract.
- Jorge Castillo looks at how the last Team USA managed to craft one of the most unstoppable pitching rotations in baseball.
- Stephen J. Nesbitt has the annual Athletic fan survey. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Justin Verlander is back where it all began for him.
- Jason Beck breaks down the one-year deal signed by Verlander with the Tigers.
- A look at the six-player deal that sent Caleb Durbin from the Brewers to the Red Sox. Story by Davy Andrews.
- Anthony DiComo reports that Francisco Lindor is being checked for a potential hamate bone injury, surgery is possible.
- Patrik Andres shares that Terrance Gore, a former World Series winner with the Royals, has passed away at the young age of 34.
- After Verlander, Kershaw, and Scherzer, when will we see the next Hall of Fame starting pitcher, and what does the new wave of starter look like? Story by Jayson Stark. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- You’d think they’d find a way to make this easier. (Here’s a direct link to the BlueSky post for those on Apple News)
- Anthony Castrovince has a complete guide to how to watch MLB TV.
- Michael Baumann asks the important questions, like: just how much free food can a player consume under the CBA?
- Michael Rosen looks at four back-end starters who finally secured new jobs.
- Keegan Matheson shares that Anthony Santander will miss much of the 2026 season after left shoulder surgery.
- Ex-MLB outfielder Yasiel Puig has been found guilty on two federal charges related to gambling, reports Patrick Andres.
- The Pirates GM says he’ll never close the door on finding ways to reunite with Andrew McCutchen. (AP)
- We loved Kris here, but this is starting to look like it wasn’t the best signing for the Rockies…
And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.