Here are three storylines to watch closely around Major League Baseball today - each with real implications for teams, players, and front offices as the 2026 season approaches:
1. Tarik Skubal and the Tigers head to arbitration - and possibly into uncharted territory
All eyes are on Detroit today as the Tigers and ace left-hander Tarik Skubal prepare to face off in an arbitration hearing. And this isn’t just another salary dispute - it’s a potential game-changer for how elite pitchers are valued in arbitration.
Skubal, the reigning back-to-back AL Cy Young winner, filed for a $32 million salary. The Tigers countered with $19 million. That $13 million gap is massive by arbitration standards, and with Detroit historically holding firm once the filing deadline passes, it looks like this one’s going to a hearing.
Now, we won’t get a ruling today, but when the decision does come down, the ripple effects could be significant. If Skubal wins, he’ll set a new high-water mark for arbitration-eligible pitchers - a number that could shift expectations for future aces still under team control.
For context, no pitcher has ever cracked $20 million through arbitration. Skubal’s ask blows right past that.
On the flip side, if the Tigers come out on top, they’ll have saved themselves a big chunk of payroll - potentially freeing up resources to make more moves before Opening Day. Either way, this case is one to watch not just for Detroit fans, but for every front office trying to navigate the increasingly expensive world of young star pitching.
2. Framber Valdez remains the top arm on the market - and the AL East race might heat up because of it
Framber Valdez is still out there, and he’s become the most intriguing name left on the market. The Orioles have been the loudest team linked to the lefty, but yesterday brought a new twist: the Blue Jays are reportedly in the mix too.
That’s a wrinkle worth paying attention to. Baltimore has been aggressive this offseason, and Valdez would be a major addition to a rotation that already took a step forward last year. But if Toronto steps up their pursuit - especially after missing out on big targets like Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette - it could force the Orioles’ hand.
This is where things get interesting. Both teams are in win-now mode, and both are looking to gain ground in a loaded AL East.
Valdez, with his postseason experience and ground-ball-heavy approach, fits the bill for a team looking to stabilize its rotation. And with the free-agent market thinning out, other clubs who’ve been sitting on the sidelines might start circling back as well.
The next few days could be pivotal. Whether it’s Baltimore, Toronto, or a surprise suitor, Valdez’s landing spot could shift the balance of power in the American League.
3. DFA decisions looming for Konnor Pilkington and Yanquiel Fernandez
Two players designated for assignment last week - Nationals lefty Konnor Pilkington and Rockies outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez - are due for resolution today. That means we’ll soon know whether they’re sticking with their current clubs as Triple-A depth or heading elsewhere via waiver claims.
Pilkington debuted with the Guardians in 2022 and has logged 88 1/3 big league innings with a 3.97 ERA. That’s solid on the surface, but the peripherals haven’t been as kind, which could give some teams pause. Still, left-handed pitching is always in demand, and he’s young enough (26) to warrant a look from a club seeking depth.
Fernandez is even more intriguing. Just 23 years old and not far removed from top-100 prospect status, he struggled at the plate in his 2025 debut - hitting .225/.265/.348 over 147 plate appearances. But he still has a minor league option left, and there’s enough raw talent here for another team to take a flyer.
If they go unclaimed, both players would likely be outrighted to Triple-A, where they’d serve as depth options. But don’t be surprised if a team looking to bolster its 40-man roster makes a move today.
From arbitration drama to free-agent intrigue and roster shuffling, today’s headlines offer a snapshot of how front offices are still grinding through the final stages of the offseason. With just a few weeks until camps open, every decision - and every dollar - matters.