On January 8, 2026, the Detroit Tigers secured agreements with 10 of their 11 arbitration-eligible players for the upcoming season, leaving only left-hander Tarik Skubal in the midst of unresolved negotiations. The Tigers proposed a salary of $19 million for Skubal, while the pitcher countered with a substantial request of $32 million. If the sides cannot reach a multi-year agreement, an arbitration hearing is scheduled to take place from late January to mid-February, with the arbitrators tasked with choosing between the two proposed figures, as they are not permitted to settle on a compromise.
All other arbitration-eligible players reached agreements, including right-hander Casey Mize, who will earn $6.15 million, outfielder Riley Greene at $5 million, and utility player Zach McKinstry at $4.2 million, among others. The total salaries for these players amount to approximately $35.6875 million, though the final payroll will increase to around $54.7 million or $67.7 million once Skubal’s situation is resolved.
As a “file-and-trial” team, the Tigers typically do not negotiate salaries after filing numbers, which adds pressure for both parties to find a resolution before the hearing. Tarik Skubal, who is represented by prominent agent Scott Boras, holds a unique position in arbitration due to exceeding five years of MLB service time, enabling him to compare his case against high-earning pitchers like Max Scherzer and Zack Wheeler. This could lead to a significant salary should Skubal’s case break records, as he aims for a figure above previous top arbitration contracts.
Notably, this arbitration process is a departure from recent practices within the organization; the last arbitration hearing for the Tigers occurred in 2019 with right-hander Michael Fulmer, who ultimately lost his case. The history of past arbitration hearings showcases the infrequent nature of such disputes for the Tigers, highlighting the intensity of negotiations as they attempt to balance team budget considerations with the value of their top-performing players.
Additionally, players like Kerry Carpenter and Casey Mize are also making strides in their contract negotiations, with Carpenter receiving a $3.275 million contract after a standout season, and Mize, the latest All-Star, netting a $6.15 million deal. The decisions made during this arbitration season will have lasting implications on the team’s payroll and player dynamics for this season and beyond.
As the Tigers navigate through these negotiations, fans remain hopeful for a resolution that not only satisfies Skubal’s value but also aligns with the team’s long-term strategic goals. With talented players and promising contracts achieved, the 2026 season is set to be an exciting time for Detroit baseball.