The Tarik Skubal arbitration saga is heating up in Detroit - and not in the way the Tigers were hoping.
According to multiple sources, the Tigers put a significant offer on the table for their ace left-hander ahead of last Thursday’s arbitration deadline. The number?
$19.8 million. That would’ve set a new high-water mark for an arbitration-eligible pitcher - both in terms of a single-year salary and year-over-year raise.
It was a bold move, signaling just how much Detroit values Skubal, who’s coming off a breakout season and is widely viewed as one of the best young arms in the game.
But here’s where things went sideways: Skubal’s agent, Scott Boras, reportedly never countered.
Despite receiving the Tigers’ offer well in advance of the deadline, Boras didn’t respond until the two sides officially exchanged numbers on Thursday night - and when he did, it was a jaw-dropping $32 million ask. That’s not just a counter; that’s a message. And it left Detroit scrambling.
The Tigers, for their part, didn’t view their $19.8 million offer as a final number. In fact, they saw it as a starting point, with a willingness to push the deal north of $20 million - potentially even into the $25 million range - to get something done before arbitration. But with no dialogue from Boras’ camp, the team was left with little choice but to file a slightly lower number: $19 million even.
That leaves a $13 million gap between the two sides, and now a panel of three arbitrators will decide which number is closer to fair market value. It’s a high-stakes hearing that could set a precedent for future arbitration cases - and more importantly, it could impact the long-term relationship between Skubal and the only MLB team he’s ever known.
Skubal, who’s set to hit free agency after the 2026 season, has quickly become the face of the Tigers’ rotation. His combination of power stuff, command, and poise on the mound has made him a cornerstone piece for a franchise trying to climb out of a lengthy rebuild. That’s why this arbitration standoff is raising eyebrows around the league.
One of the loudest reactions came from former AL MVP Josh Donaldson, who didn’t hold back. He called the Tigers a “trash organization” for how they’ve handled negotiations with their ace - a strong statement, but one that underscores just how much scrutiny Detroit is under right now.
To be clear, arbitration battles like this are part of the business. But when you’re dealing with a homegrown star - especially one as important to your future as Skubal - the optics matter. The Tigers made an aggressive opening offer, but the lack of communication and the eventual $13 million gap now puts them in a tough spot.
This isn’t just about a one-year salary figure. It’s about trust, long-term planning, and whether Detroit can convince Skubal to stay beyond 2026. If this arbitration process leaves a sour taste, it could complicate those conversations down the line.
For now, the focus shifts to the hearing room. But make no mistake - this story is far from over.