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Verlander traded to Houston, TJ Surgery, Wins 2 WS, Wins 3rd Cy Young, a Met, Astro, Giant, Tiger again

Verlander at 42: Still touching 98 mph ⁠⁠Some mechanical thoughts on one of the most durable arms of our generation:


He's a tight mover:⁠Limited hip internal rotation, doesn't create a ton of hip shoulder separation⁠Not getting into extremely efficient positions from a separation standpoint⁠Still able to access roughly 180 degrees of layback where it counts⁠Has hyperextension in his knees — able to access a greater range of motion during his lead leg block despite a shorter stride⁠.


Forward move:⁠Very aggressive tempo, very aggressive forward move, very aggressive drift⁠Creating a cyclical rhythm with his lead leg — lifts up, straightens out, gets knee flexion, transitions into forward move⁠Drops into the hinge, hits the back hip, accelerates him forward down the mound⁠23 frames from peak leg lift to ball release (on 30fps video) — very quick tempo, but it's an acceleration, not rushing down the slope⁠.


Arm action:⁠Absolutely electric and explosive arm speed — look how quick his arm actually accelerates from front foot strike into ball release⁠Hitting that layback back behind his ear, pulling into ball release (not pushing into ball release with the tricep)⁠Release height second in MLB at over 84 inches, just 26th percentile extension⁠.


The vertical game:⁠Averaging over 19 inches of induced vertical break, over 2400 RPM, and (now) average velo⁠Primarily throwing forcing fastballs up in the zone, curveballs low in the zone but for strikes, slider just on the corner or just out of the zone⁠Elite command — very good command, especially given how effective his stuff is⁠.


Takeaways:⁠Verlander transfers energy extremely efficiently. Not a ton of separation, tightly wound rubber band, but he's able to make it work as a result of still sequencing that energy, sequencing his body extremely efficiently.
https://x.com/i/status/2022038766135730680

Tread Athletics
 

Days of Roar Tigers Podcast: Justin Verlander returns to Detroit Tigers; Alex Avila breaks down reunion. 68 minutes.

Pitchers and catchers reported, position players participated in the first full-squad workout — and now, the Detroit Tigers are counting down the days to the first Grapefruit League game of spring training. The Tigers marked the start of camp by making their most popular move of the 2025-26 offseason, signing franchise icon Justin Verlander to a one-year, $13 million contract — after losing Reese Olson for the entire 2026 season to a shoulder surgery. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown react to the signing of Verlander and the injury to Olson. They also share the biggest takeaways from the first week of spring training, updates on Tarik Skubal, Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson and break down the latest surrounding top prospect Kevin McGonigle. Former Tigers catcher Alex Avila joins the show for an extended conversation about Verlander's return to the Tigers, offering insight into what the reunion means on and off the field. He reflects on Verlander's evolution as a pitcher and a person, while detailing his expectations for the Tigers' star-studded rotation. To close, Evan and Chris discuss what they'll be watching as spring training games get underway.
 
MEANT TO BE.
Totally Tigers
 
“There’s a saying to never meet your hero. That couldn’t be more wrong".
Tarik Skubal on Justin Verlander.
 
Justin Verlander says the outpouring of love he received when he signed with the Tigers was what made it feel real.
 
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