Tarik Skubal at a Crossroads? The Future of the Tigers’ Ace in Play
The free agent class of the 2025-26 season will not feature figures of the caliber of Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, or Juan Soto. However, one name stands out for its potential impact in the next offseason: Tarik Skubal.
The Detroit Tigers’ left-handed pitcher, after a brilliant season, is in the final year of his contract. His performance could lead him to surpass Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s record contract, and even become the first pitcher to reach $400 million.
Faced with this situation, Tigers’ president of baseball operations, Scott Harris, faces crucial decisions. Three main options were analyzed, consulting industry experts to determine the best course of action.
Detroit’s Options
- Trade Skubal this winter: This option, the least popular, would involve significant compensation for the Tigers. A rival executive noted that getting rid of an ace before the season starts would be a mistake, unless the offer was irresistible.
- Keep Skubal, but trade him at the deadline if the season doesn’t go well: This option is considered viable if the Tigers don’t perform well in the first half of the 2026 season.
- Retain Skubal at all costs, try to extend his contract and accept the draft selection if he leaves: A bold move in modern baseball, but one that could offer the Tigers another chance to compete for a title.
The possibility of extending Skubal’s contract is uncertain, especially considering that his agent is Scott Boras, known for taking his clients to free agency. However, the imminent expiration of the collective bargaining agreement could influence Skubal’s decision, as a labor strike could affect his market value.
The Yamamoto and Max Fried contracts are the benchmarks to beat. The Tigers’ ability to compete in an auction with an unprecedented contract is questionable. However, offering a shorter deal with a record annual value and opt-out options could be a viable strategy.
The Tigers’ salary margin is a key factor. If Skubal demands an annual salary of $30 or $40 million, can the Tigers justify investing such a significant portion of their budget in a single player? The arrival of young prospects like Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark could influence the decision, by increasing the team’s competitive potential.
The Tigers’ strategy for the winter is uncertain. Rumors that they are looking to reinforce their pitching staff could be an indication of their plans. Tarik Skubal’s future in Detroit remains unknown.
