The Detroit Tigers are making a huge offer of up to $245 million for star left-hander Tarik Skubal — a former Cy Young winner — in hopes of turning him into a pillar of the team’s future dynasty.
According to multiple inside sources, the Tigers see Skubal as more than just a great pitcher, but also a long-term icon — someone who can stand up to pressure, lead the pitching room, and be the face of Detroit’s ambitions to return to the top. With Skubal entering a pivotal phase of his career, Tigers management believes a long-term contract would be a “lifeline” to keep him in Detroit.
However, the negotiations have become incredibly tense. According to reports, the gap between the two sides is as high as $250 million — a huge number that could cause a financial crisis if the Tigers want to meet it.
The Tigers previously offered Skubal a four-year, sub-$100 million deal after the 2024 Cy Young season, but the player strongly rejected it.
The huge gap between Skubal’s desires and the team’s ability to pay has many fans worried: are the Tigers really putting all their faith in Skubal, or are they just trying to keep a star player before he becomes a free agent?
Skubal, who agreed to a one-year, $10.15 million contract for the 2025 season to avoid an arbitration hearing, remains one of MLB’s top pitchers.
His words about an extension, though, have been discreet: “I love Detroit, but long-term negotiations are private,” Skubal told FOX Sports.
The pressure is on Tigers management: If they can’t meet Skubal’s asking price, they could lose him — or consider trading him to teams willing to pay big. Experts say that while keeping Skubal would be a financial risk, if successful, it would help Detroit build a dynasty around one of MLB’s best pitchers.
At the same time, Tigers fans seem divided: some strongly support spending big to keep Skubal, seeing him as the soul of the team; while others fear the team is betting too much on a single player, neglecting to build around a broader roster.
If the $245 million deal goes through, it would be one of the biggest commitments the Tigers have ever made to a pitcher — and could make Skubal the face of a new era in Detroit, one that promises not just to compete but to build a roster that lasts for years.
One thing is for sure: This negotiation isn’t just about money — it’s about the Tigers’ future, their belief in a star, and their desire to restore the team to greatness. Fans are holding their breath: Will Tarik Skubal stick with Detroit or will he leave for a bigger challenge (and contract)?
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