Tigers Fail to Offer Contract Extension to Ace Tarik Skubal

Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, will likely enter free agency next offseason after Detroit did not make him an offer this winter.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Despite Tarik Skubal's dominance as the Tigers' ace over the past two seasons, including back-to-back Cy Young Awards, the team has not made him a contract extension offer. Skubal revealed that the Tigers did not even negotiate with him during arbitration, which resulted in a record $32 million win for the pitcher. With no long-term deal in place, Skubal is set to enter free agency next offseason, potentially leaving Detroit after this season.

Why it matters

Skubal's departure would be a major blow to the Tigers, who have built one of the best starting rotations in baseball around the 26-year-old ace. His continued success has made him one of the top pitchers in the game, and the Tigers' unwillingness to pay him could signal a shift in the team's long-term strategy and commitment to winning a championship.

The details

Skubal revealed that the Tigers never made him a contract offer this offseason, despite his dominance over the past two seasons. The team's only previous offer to Skubal came two years ago for less than $80 million, with a reported $250 million gap between the two sides. Detroit general manager Scott Harris said the team is focused on making "smart baseball decisions," while owner Chris Ilitch said the team will "see how it all plays out" regarding Skubal's future.

  • In 2024, Skubal led the AL in ERA with a 2.39 mark.
  • In 2025, Skubal led the AL in ERA again with a 2.21 mark.
  • This offseason, the Tigers did not make Skubal a contract extension offer.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A two-time Cy Young Award winner and the Tigers' ace pitcher over the past two seasons.

Scott Harris

The Tigers' general manager, who said the team is focused on making "smart baseball decisions."

Chris Ilitch

The owner of the Detroit Tigers, who said the team will "see how it all plays out" regarding Skubal's future.

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What they’re saying

“There is no offer, and there won't be an offer until the end of the season. My focus is on playing baseball and winning this year. I'll deal with the contract stuff at the end of the year, and then we'll kind of see. And that's fine. It's their decision.”

— Tarik Skubal (USA Today)

“I would say (Tigers general manager) Scott Harris is always looking to make smart baseball decisions. I hope it's clear I want to support our team to make sure that we are a championship-caliber organization.”

— Chris Ilitch, Tigers Owner (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Tigers will need to decide whether to make Skubal a contract offer before the end of the season, or risk losing him to free agency next offseason.

The takeaway

Skubal's situation highlights the Tigers' long-term strategy and their willingness to invest in their star players. The team's reluctance to pay Skubal could have major implications for their championship aspirations, as they risk losing one of the best pitchers in baseball if they cannot reach an agreement on a contract extension.