Tigers Secure Future: Renewed Hype and Long-Term Bet on Tarik Skubal

DETROIT – Detroit Tigers general manager Scott Harris announced the extension of manager A.J. Hinch’s contract through the 2025 season, ensuring that ownership will provide the necessary resources to secure the long-term stay of ace Tarik Skubal. Harris and Hinch held a press conference on Monday morning, taking stock of the season that culminated last week with a 3-2 loss in 15 innings to Seattle in Game 5 of the American League Division Series, and looking ahead.

“I wish we weren’t here right now. I wish we were in Toronto, getting ready for Game 2 of the American League Championship Series.”

Scott Harris

Harris reported that he approached Hinch during the season, his fifth in Detroit, to extend his contract for the second time, reaching an agreement quickly. Previously, Harris had already signed Hinch to a long-term contract in 2023.

“He’s one of the best managers in the game.”

Scott Harris

Harris declined to reveal the length of Hinch’s contract.

“We want him to be here as long as he wants to be here. I want to work with him for as long as possible.”

Scott Harris

The Tigers also want to have Skubal in Detroit for many years, although they know this will involve a significant cost. Skubal was awarded the Cy Young Award of the American League and won the pitching Triple Crown in 2024. This was followed by an ERA of 2.21, the lowest of his career, and a personal record of 241 strikeouts.

“He’s the best pitcher in baseball. Hopefully, he’ll win a second Cy Young.”

Scott HarrisSkubal signed a one-year contract for $10.15 million during the previous offseason, avoiding salary arbitration, and is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2026 season. To prevent it from reaching the market, the team owner, Chris Ilitch, will have to invest a considerable sum of millions. Harris assured that Ilitch will back the organization with what is necessary for the payroll, including what is required to keep the 28-year-old lefty long-term.

“I have no concerns about it.”

Scott Harris

Harris did express his concern about the Tigers’ collapse in September, when they squandered the largest lead in division or league history, and about their poor performance at the plate during the postseason.

“I deserve those questions and we deserve the negative narrative that is circulating around this team.”

Scott Harris

Detroit had the best record in baseball for much of the season, before falling at the trade deadline, at which point Harris made no major acquisitions. Although Harris didn’t regret not signing the pitchers that were offered to him, he acknowledged that it’s valid to question why he didn’t add a bat to the lineup.

“Maybe we should have done it.”

Scott Harris