Tigers and Ace Skubal Clash Over Record-Breaking Arbitration Demands

Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal seeks $32M, Tigers offer $19M in largest gap in arbitration history

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:47pm

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, a back-to-back Cy Young Award winner, is embroiled in a high-stakes contract dispute with his team. Skubal is seeking $32 million for the 2026 season, while the Tigers have offered $19 million, creating the largest gap in MLB arbitration history. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for future arbitration negotiations, especially for elite starting pitchers.

Why it matters

Skubal's case is noteworthy because the $13 million gap between his demands and the Tigers' offer is the largest ever in MLB arbitration. The result could set a new precedent for how teams and players approach these negotiations, particularly for star pitchers. Additionally, the Tigers' offseason plans have been put on hold as they wait to see how much Skubal's 2026 salary will be, potentially impacting their ability to make other roster moves.

The details

Skubal, 29, is coming off back-to-back Cy Young Award seasons and is widely considered one of the best pitchers in baseball. The Tigers' $19 million offer is a significant underpay compared to Skubal's accomplishments and the current market for top-tier starters. Skubal and his agent, Scott Boras, are arguing that his special achievements should allow him to compare his salary to all players, not just previous arbitration cases. This aggressive filing puts the arbitrators in a difficult position, as granting Skubal's $32 million demand would shatter the previous record for an arbitration-eligible player.

  • Skubal made $10 million in 2025, his second Cy Young season.
  • The arbitration hearing is scheduled for late January or early February 2026.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A 29-year-old starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, Skubal is a back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner with a 2.30 ERA over the past two seasons.

Scott Boras

Skubal's agent, who is known for his aggressive negotiating tactics on behalf of his clients.

Scott Harris

The president of baseball operations for the Detroit Tigers, who is tasked with negotiating Skubal's contract.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.