Tigers Ace Tarik Skubal Wins Record $32M Arbitration Deal

Skubal's $13M raise over the Tigers' offer sets a new high for arbitration-eligible players.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

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 winner, filed for $32 million, while the Tigers countered at $19 million, leading to the largest gap ever seen in an arbitration case.

Why it matters

Skubal's record-setting arbitration win highlights the immense value of top-tier starting pitchers in today's game, especially those who have proven themselves as perennial Cy Young contenders. This decision could set a new precedent for how arbitration-eligible aces are compensated, potentially impacting future negotiations across the league.

The details

Skubal, 29, is coming off back-to-back dominant seasons, posting a combined 31-10 record with a 0.91 WHIP and 469 strikeouts over 381 1/3 innings. In 2024, he captured the American League pitching Triple Crown, earning his first Cy Young Award. He followed that up with an even better 2025 campaign, leading all major league pitchers in fWAR. Skubal's historic arbitration win comes as he enters his final year of team control before hitting free agency.

  • Skubal filed for $32 million in arbitration, while the Tigers countered at $19 million.
  • The three-person independent arbitration panel sided with Skubal's $32 million request on February 6, 2026.

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.

Scott Boras

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

Detroit Tigers

The MLB team that employs Tarik Skubal and argued for a $19 million salary in the arbitration case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 decision follows a Wednesday hearing in which both sides argued their valuations of Skubal, who will be eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Tarik Skubal's record-setting $32 million arbitration win underscores the immense value of elite starting pitchers in today's MLB, and could set a new benchmark for how top-tier aces are compensated through the arbitration process moving forward.