The Detroit Tigers are moving on. After knocking off the Cleveland Guardians with a 6-3 win in Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series, the celebration was loud, the champagne was flowing, and the questions quickly shifted to the future of one man: Tarik Skubal.
The Tigers ace has put together another historic season, one that all but locks up his second straight Cy Young Award. Skubal dominated in 2025, posting a 2.21 ERA with 33 walks and 241 strikeouts. In Game 1 of the ALWS, he was untouchable once again, striking out a Tigers playoff record 14 hitters, setting the tone for Detroit’s postseason run.
So naturally, attention turned to his long-term future in Detroit. Skubal becomes a free agent after the 2026 season, meaning the Tigers’ time is ticking to work out an extension before things get complicated.
When asked about that looming decision, Tigers owner Chris Ilitch wasn’t ready to tip his hand.
“We’re in 2025 right now,” Ilitch said via the Detroit Free Press. “We’re just going to focus on the playoffs and really just focus on the game in front of us.”
That’s not exactly a commitment, but Ilitch wasn’t shy about praising his ace.
“Tarik was amazing,” Ilitch said of Skubal’s Game 1 gem. “Our pitching has been really, really good, by and large, and Tarik was just incredible. He’s been incredible all year. He deserves a second Cy Young. He’s been our horse all year. He did it again.”
For now, Ilitch is keeping the focus on the present.
“We’re very, very focused to win a World Series,” Ilitch said. “Maybe this year, may not be, but we’re going to keep after it. I like this group of guys, and I like the young guys we’ve got coming.”
Ilitch also made it clear he’s proud of the progress his team has made under manager A.J. Hinch.
“Our goal is to win a World Series,” he said. “I love this group. Whether we do it with this group or it’s another group, we’re going to stay focused on winning a World Series, but this is a huge step for this team. I love these guys. I’m very proud of them.”
The Bottom Line
The Tigers’ owner didn’t commit to a Skubal extension, but his praise for Detroit’s ace, and his emphasis on chasing a championship, suggests that decision is coming soon enough. For now, Ilitch and the Tigers are keeping their eyes on the bigger prize: a World Series run.
