Trending Now - Tigers' Spring Showcase Highlights Rising Stars and Comebacks

WHO:

Justin Verlander, three-time Cy Young Award winner and former American League MVP

Framber Valdez, two-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champion

Tarik Skubal, two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner

A.J. Hinch, manager of the Detroit Tigers

Ryan Gustafson, president and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment

Edgar Quero, Kyle Teel, Korey Lee, catchers for the Chicago White Sox

Luis Medina, pitcher for the Oakland Athletics

Slade Cecconi, pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians

José Ramírez, player for the Cleveland Guardians

WHAT:

Verlander will make his first appearance of Spring Training on March 6, 2026, against the Boston Red Sox at Joker Marchant Stadium.

Valdez struck out three batters in three scoreless innings during his spring training debut on February 27, 2026, against the Atlanta Braves.

Valdez signed a $115 million, three-year contract with the Tigers in February 2026.

The Tigers launched Detroit SportsNet on February 27, 2026, a year-round TV and streaming home for the Tigers and Red Wings.

Fans can sign up for a free trial of Detroit SportsNet until March 22, 2026, which includes the first five games of the regular season.

Subscription costs for Detroit SportsNet will be $19.99 per month or $189.99 for a full year starting April 1, 2026.

Quero is tied for the Cactus League lead with nine RBIs and nine hits as of March 1, 2026.

Medina made his spring debut on March 1, 2026, after nearly 20 months away from the mound due to Tommy John surgery.

Cecconi struck out four batters over 2 2/3 innings during his second Cactus League start on March 1, 2026.

WHERE:

Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, Florida

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, Florida

Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Arizona

Peoria Stadium, Peoria, Arizona

Surprise Stadium, Surprise, Arizona

WHEN:

Verlander's first spring start is scheduled for March 6, 2026.

Valdez's spring training debut was on February 27, 2026.

Detroit SportsNet launched on February 27, 2026.

Free trial for Detroit SportsNet ends on March 22, 2026.

Subscription begins on April 1, 2026.

Medina's spring debut was on March 1, 2026.

Cecconi's second Cactus League start was on March 1, 2026.

WHY:

Verlander signed back with the Tigers as a free agent to return to the team where he began his career.

The launch of Detroit SportsNet aims to provide fans with a consistent outlet to watch Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey amid uncertainty in regional sports broadcasting.

Medina's return follows a long rehabilitation process after Tommy John surgery.

HOW:

Verlander prepared for his return by throwing live batting practice sessions.

Valdez executed a plan to throw strikes, achieving 30 of 43 pitches for strikes during his debut.

Cecconi focused on refining his pitching mechanics and improving his pitch arsenal during the offseason.

In exciting baseball news, Justin Verlander is set to make his first appearance of Spring Training on March 6 against the Boston Red Sox at Joker Marchant Stadium, marking his return to the Tigers after signing as a free agent. Meanwhile, Framber Valdez had an impressive spring training debut on February 27, striking out three batters in three scoreless innings, and he recently signed a three-year contract worth $115 million with the Tigers. In other developments, the Tigers launched Detroit SportsNet on February 27, offering fans a free trial until March 22, with subscriptions starting at $19.99 per month beginning April 1.