Detroit Tigers Ace Tarik Skubal Wins Record Arbitration Case

Skubal set to earn $32 million in 2026 after securing largest one-year arbitration salary in MLB history.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 10:15am

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has won his arbitration case, securing a historic $32 million salary for the 2026 MLB season. The ruling marks the largest one-year arbitration salary ever awarded, topping the previous record of $31 million earned by Juan Soto in 2024. Skubal, a two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, filed for $32 million, while the Tigers countered at $19 million. The $13 million gap between the two sides was the largest ever seen in an arbitration case.

Why it matters

Skubal's record-setting arbitration win highlights his dominance as one of the top pitchers in baseball over the past two seasons. The decision also sets a new benchmark for what elite, arbitration-eligible players can earn, potentially impacting future negotiations across the league.

The details

Skubal, 29, is coming off back-to-back Cy Young Award-winning seasons in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, he went 18-4 with a 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts. He was even better in 2025, finishing 13-6 with a 2.21 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 241 strikeouts. Skubal's historic arbitration win will see him earn $32 million in 2026, a $13 million increase from the Tigers' proposed $19 million salary.

  • Skubal won his arbitration case on February 6, 2026.
  • Skubal earned $10.15 million in 2025.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A 29-year-old starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who has won back-to-back American League Cy Young Awards in 2024 and 2025.

Scott Boras

Skubal's agent who helped him secure the record-setting $32 million arbitration salary.

Detroit Tigers

The MLB team that Skubal plays for, known as a 'file-and-trial' organization that does not negotiate one-year contracts once figures are submitted for arbitration.

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What they’re saying

“BREAKING: Two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal won his arbitration case and will make $32 million this year, sources tell ESPN. Skubal's bet to go for the largest salary ever in the arbitration system paid off, as he'll make $13M more than Tigers argued.”

— Jeff Passan (ESPN)

What’s next

The Tigers and Skubal will now focus on a potential long-term contract extension, as Skubal is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Tarik Skubal's record-setting $32 million arbitration win underscores his status as one of the premier pitchers in baseball and sets a new high-water mark for what elite, arbitration-eligible players can earn. This decision could have ripple effects across the league as teams and players navigate future contract negotiations.