Tigers' Payroll Ranking Could Keep Ace Tarik Skubal in Detroit

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The Detroit Tigers have the 10th-highest payroll in MLB for the 2026 season at $209 million, suggesting they have the financial resources to potentially re-sign star pitcher Tarik Skubal when he becomes a free agent after this year. While Skubal is expected to command a massive contract worth over $400 million, the Tigers' payroll ranking indicates they could make a serious run at keeping their ace, even if he has a slightly down year that lowers his market value.

Why it matters

Retaining Tarik Skubal is crucial for the Tigers, who have built their team around the three-time Cy Young winner. Losing Skubal in free agency would be a major blow, so the team's high payroll ranking provides hope they can keep him in Detroit beyond the 2026 season.

The details

The Tigers' $209 million payroll for 2026 ranks 10th out of all 30 MLB teams, suggesting they have the financial flexibility to potentially re-sign Skubal despite previous reports of a wide gap between the two sides in contract extension negotiations. While Skubal is expected to command a record-setting deal, a slight dip in his performance this season could lower his market value and give the Tigers a chance to keep him, similar to how the Arizona Diamondbacks were able to re-sign Zac Gallen on a one-year deal after his down 2025 campaign.

• The 2026 MLB regular season has commenced.
• Tarik Skubal is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.

What’s next

The Tigers will need to decide if they want to make a serious push to re-sign Skubal this offseason, especially if he has a slightly down year that could lower his market value.