Tarik Skubal Seeks Record $32M in Arbitration, Tigers Offer $19M

Detroit Tigers star pitcher Tarik Skubal, 29, failed to reach a 2026 salary agreement with the team before Thursday's deadline, leading to arbitration. Skubal is asking for a record $32 million, while the Tigers offered $19 million. This contract dispute could impact future trade discussions. A two-time AL Cy Young winner and All-Star, Skubal was 13-6 with an AL-best 2.21 ERA in 31 starts last year, striking out 241 in 195 1/3 innings with a 0.891 WHIP. He is 54-37 with a 3.08 ERA in six MLB seasons and will be eligible for free agency after the World Series. Hearings are scheduled from Jan. 26 to Feb. 13.