Despite a challenging 10-1 defeat against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night, the Detroit Tigers continue to hold strong in the American League, boasting the best record at 44-25. They maintain a commanding seven-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central division. This strong performance positions the Tigers favorably for a playoff run, while aspirations for future success are also on the agenda.
A major focus for the Tigers is securing their core players, particularly after inking a long-term deal with infielder Colt Keith earlier this winter. One significant player still in talks is ace pitcher Tarik Skubal. After a stellar season last year where he won the American League Cy Young Award and Triple Crown, posting an impressive 18-4 record with a 2.39 ERA and 228 strikeouts, Skubal has continued to excel this season. Currently, he holds a 6-2 record with a 2.16 ERA and 105 strikeouts in just 13 starts.
In recent discussions about his future, Skubal indicated that he is looking for a substantial contract, jokingly responding to inquiries about a potential 10-year, $420 million offer during an appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast. As negotiations unfold, it’s clear that the Tigers may need to prepare for a significant financial commitment, particularly as Skubal’s market value could exceed that of other notable contracts, such as Miguel Cabrera’s eight-year, $248 million deal from 2014.
Although Skubal isn’t slated for free agency until after the 2026 season, there is mounting speculation regarding the contract he could command given his performance and potential. However, the Tigers must weigh their options cautiously, considering Skubal’s past injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2016 and flexor tendon surgery in 2022. As Skubal approaches 29, the reality of the unpredictability within pitching contracts looms as well, with several high-paid pitchers facing lengthy injury recoveries.
While Skubal is primarily focused on contributing to a successful playoff run, the implications of his contract negotiations will remain a significant storyline for the franchise in the coming months. As fans rally behind their team’s current success, they remain optimistic about securing the future of their ace.