Why Are the Detroit Tigers Opening Their Wallets While the Guardians Keep Their Cards Close?

Over the years, I’ve honed my Photoshop chops to a fine edge, and now, I’m thrilled to give you a sneak peek at Justin Verlander’s expected ensemble for the 2026 season — a blend of style and grit that matches his legendary presence on the mound. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are going all in, shelling out big bucks to keep him in their bullpen, especially critical as they’re grappling with the unfortunate loss of Reese Olson for the season. But the ripple effects don’t stop there; the injury list today reads like a who’s who of MLB setbacks — Francisco Lindor might be sidelined for a six-week stretch after a potential surgery, Toronto’s Shane Bieber is likely headed to the injured list, and Anthony Santander faces a long 5-6 month recovery. On the brighter side, though, there’s movement with Aaron Civale making his way to Sacramento — a disappointment for some hoping to see him start the season in a bullpen role — and the Diamondbacks showing faith by letting Carlos Santana participate in the World Baseball Classic despite the risk of no insurance coverage from MLB. The landscape is shifting fast, and I can’t wait to watch how these stories unfold in the coming months. LEARN MORE

My photoshop skills have really been perfected and I was able to show you what Justin Verlander’s outfit is going to look like in 2026.

The Tigers are paying up to have him on their staff, perhaps because Reese Olson is out for the year.

LGFT injuries

• Francisco Lindor could need surgery, which would delay him by 6 weeks.

• Toronto is likely to place Shane Bieber on the IL

• and Anthony Santander is out 5-6 months.

More LGFT happenings

• Aaron Civale is headed to Sacramento. I’d have loved him as SP depth who starts out the season in the bullpen, but $6M is probably too much for that.

• The Diamondbacks will allow Carlos Santana to play in the WBC even though MLB won’t insure him.