The contract disagreement between the Detroit Tigers and Tarik Skubal has intensified, creating an uncertain future for the pitcher with the team. After failing to agree on terms for the 2026 season, the sides are now headed for arbitration before February 13, escalating speculation that Skubal could be traded before the next MLB season begins. This ongoing tension is fueling hope among Cleveland Guardians fans who have seen Skubal perform strongly against their team in recent matchups.
Details on Arbitration Complicate Trade Prospects but Keep Interest Alive
Although the arbitration process will delay any immediate trade, sources familiar with MLB operations suggest that Skubal still commands attention in potential trade discussions. Teams typically hesitate to acquire a player heading straight into arbitration proceedings, making a post-arbitration trade the more likely scenario. Salary figures submitted by both parties in arbitration add another dimension; Detroit proposed a $20 million salary for 2026, while Skubal’s camp requested $32 million. This wage gap could influence the Tigers’ willingness to move him, potentially making him a more attractive option to other teams if his salary is settled closer to Detroit’s figure.
Skubal’s Performance and Market Value Raise Stakes for Interested Teams
Tarik Skubal, a two-time American League Cy Young Award winner, is emerging as one of baseball’s top pitchers and is projected to become one of the highest-paid when he reaches free agency. Despite this, the Tigers appear reluctant to offer a contract that reflects his market value. Comparisons have been drawn to past MLB transactions, such as the 2020 trade of Mookie Betts from the Red Sox to the Dodgers shortly after Betts settled an arbitration-based salary, which later led to a massive contract extension. Given that Skubal is represented by prominent agent Scott Boras, the possibility of a long-term extension is less certain, but his skills ensure there would be many suitors if Detroit opts to trade him.
Potential Impact on Guardians and Future Trade Timelines
Even if a trade does not materialize before the start of the season, the buzz surrounding Skubal’s potential movement is expected to resurface around the trade deadline, keeping Guardians fans hopeful. His history of success against Cleveland and the ongoing contract uncertainty with Detroit make him a significant player to watch. The resolution of his arbitration case will be a pivotal moment that could reshape the pitching landscape and influence the Guardians’ chances of acquiring a top-tier arm.
“The biggest takeaway from Feinsand’s story is that it seems like Skubal still has some kind of trade market, though it likely wouldn’t come until after his arbitration is settled since it’s hard to believe a team would trade for him and then immediately go to court.” ?Mark Feinsand, MLB.com Insider
“Skubal has won back-to-back American League Cy Young awards and could end up becoming the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history whenever he hits free agency, but it seems like the Tigers aren’t willing to pay him what he’s worth.” ?Mark Feinsand, MLB.com Insider
“It’s hard to believe Skubal would sign at extension considering he’s represented by mega-agent Scott Boras, but he’d have no shortage of suitors in trade talks if the Tigers do end up dealing him at some point.” ?Mark Feinsand, MLB.com Insider
