After the Detroit Tigers were eliminated in the American League Division Series in five games by the Seattle Mariners, it began a long offseason. Losing the series-deciding game in 15 innings was a gut-punch. Little did anyone know that more gut-punches were coming.
Two-time Cy Young Award winner and ace of the Tigers staff, Tarik Skubal, was hoping for a long-term extension. It never came. In fact, what came his way was an offer that was $13 million less than what he wanted. It went to arbitration, and he was awarded his $32 million. It was a bad look for Detroit.
Going into the 2026 season on the final year of his contract, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding his future with the organization. In Arizona with Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, Skubal spoke about a potential contract extension, and it wasn’t great news for the Tigers.
Detroit Tigers Pitcher Tarik Skubal Talks Extension
Speaking with Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Skubal said there is no offer, and there won’t be one until the end of the season. If that’s the case, there is a strong possibility that Detroit could lose him for nothing.
“There is no offer,” Skubal said, “and there won’t be an offer until the end of the season….My focus is on playing baseball and winning this year. I’ll deal with the contract stuff at the end of the year, and then we’ll kind of see. And that’s fine. It’s their decision.”
That sounds like someone who is not happy with the way things have gone. It’s been said before and needs to be said again: Going to arbitration in any sport to get a contract done helps nobody. It only causes friction. However, there is time to salvage the relationship, and winning cures all.
The Tigers are in a position to win this year. It is a must, especially if they lose Skubal to free agency. Sure, there is a chance they could trade him at the deadline, but things would really have to fall apart for that to happen.
Detroit Tigers’ Additions Make Them a Serious Contender
Detroit opened some eyes when they signed free agent Framber Valdez. The former Houston Astros left-hander was the last big-name pitcher to sign. Signing him gives Tigers’ manager A.J. Hinch one of the top, if not the top, 1-2 punches at the top of a rotation.
That signing left many wondering if that is a backup signing or if Skubal should leave. It’s hard not to think like that. If Skubal is gone, Valdez is a perfect pitcher to slide into the top spot in the rotation. The Tigers also brought back Justin Verlander for rotation depth.
After blowing the American League Central Division title last year, Detroit has loaded up for a run in 2026. On paper, going into the season, they are one of the favorites to come out of the AL in October. However, the games are won on the field. The Tigers could be set up to be good for years, but looking beyond this year is tough given Skubal’s comments. It’s certainly a World Series Championship or bust in Detroit in 2026.
Detroit Tigers Ace Tarik Skubal Gives Blunt Contract Extension Update