The Contract Conundrum: Skubal's Future in Detroit Hangs in the Balance
The Tigers and Tarik Skubal's contract negotiations have reached a stalemate, with a potential $250 million gap between the two sides. This situation has sparked curiosity and debate among fans and analysts alike, as Skubal's future in Detroit hangs in the balance. But here's where it gets controversial...
Tarik Skubal, the 2024 American League Cy Young Award winner, has had an exceptional career with the Tigers. In 2024, he won the pitching Triple Crown and led the AL in wins, strikeouts, and ERA. In 2025, he further solidified his status as a top pitcher, lowering his ERA and WHIP and striking out even more batters. With one more season under Detroit's control before he becomes a free agent, Skubal is poised to become one of the highest-paid pitchers in MLB.
However, the Tigers' offer last offseason was deemed 'non-competitive', and despite Skubal's impressive performance, they have yet to make a competitive offer. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the two sides are about a quarter of a billion dollars apart. This has led to speculation about the Tigers' strategy and Skubal's future.
To crack the top five highest-paid pitchers, Skubal would need more than $35 million a year, which is what Corbin Burnes is getting from the Diamondbacks. While Shohei Ohtani has an average salary of $70 million, Skubal's focus should likely be on what these top pitchers are earning.
The five pitchers with contracts worth an average annual value of over $30 million are:
- Zack Wheeler: $42,000,000 (3 years)
- Jacob deGrom: $37,000,000 (5 years)
- Blake Snell: $36,400,000 (5 years + club option)
- Gerrit Cole: $36,000,000 (9 years)
- Corbin Burnes: $35,000,000 (6 years)
So, what does the future hold for Tarik Skubal? Will the Tigers make a competitive offer, or will he become a free agent and seek a new challenge? The answer lies in the hands of the Tigers' front office, and the contract negotiations will be a key factor in determining Skubal's next steps.
What do you think? Do you agree with the Tigers' approach, or do you think Skubal should seek a new team? Share your thoughts in the comments!
