Tigers Ace Tarik Skubal Reveals No Long-Term Contract Offer

Despite back-to-back Cy Young awards, the Tigers have not extended their superstar pitcher a long-term deal.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, a two-time American League Cy Young Award winner, revealed that the team has not offered him a long-term contract extension despite his impending free agency after the 2023 season. Skubal, who recently won a record $32 million in arbitration, said the Tigers have not made him an offer and won't do so until after the season.

Why it matters

Skubal is considered one of the best pitchers in baseball, so his potential departure from the Tigers next offseason would be a major blow to the franchise. The lack of a long-term deal raises questions about the team's commitment to keeping their superstar ace.

The details

Skubal, 29, led the American League in WAR (6.5) and ERA (2.21) last season while striking out 241 batters, the most in his six-year career. Despite his dominance, the Tigers have not engaged him in contract extension talks, with Skubal saying "There is no offer, and there won't be an offer until the end of the season."

  • Skubal won back-to-back American League Cy Young Awards in 2022 and 2023.
  • Skubal is set to make one appearance in the World Baseball Classic with Team USA before returning to spring training.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A 29-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who has won the American League Cy Young Award in the past two seasons.

Detroit Tigers

The professional baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan that competes in the American League of Major League Baseball.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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)

What’s next

Skubal is set to make one appearance in the World Baseball Classic with Team USA before returning to spring training to prepare for the regular season. It will be interesting to see if the Tigers make Skubal a contract offer after the 2023 season, as he is likely to command one of the largest deals in MLB history as a free agent.

The takeaway

The Tigers' reluctance to extend Tarik Skubal, one of the best pitchers in baseball, raises concerns about the team's long-term plans and commitment to keeping their superstar ace. This situation will be closely watched as Skubal enters his final season under team control before potentially hitting the open market.