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Tag: Tarik Skubal

  • Tarik Skubal Confirms His Exact Plan for Team USA

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    Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has made it clear: representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic is an honor, but his priority remains the Tigers’ 2026 season.

    Speaking from spring training in Lakeland, Skubal confirmed he plans to make just one start for Team USA next month before returning to camp to continue his normal buildup toward Opening Day.

    “I am trying to do both things,” Skubal said via the Detroit News. “I am going to pitch for Team USA (in the World Baseball Classic), but also I understand I really need to be here with these guys and get ready for the season. It’s the best of both worlds in that aspect, and I’m grateful that they took me in that capacity.”

    One Start, Then Back to Detroit

    After throwing two scoreless innings in his spring debut against the Minnesota Twins, Skubal confirmed his WBC role will be limited by design.

    “I might stick around for a few games,” Skubal said. “I haven’t determined what games I’m going to watch. If they go to the finals I’m going to try to lobby to go watch and be with the guys. But I’m only going to make one start and then getting back to here.”

    The Tigers left-hander is expected to make another spring training start this weekend before departing for Miami.

    Protecting His Spring Routine

    Skubal emphasized that his decision to be “one and done” with Team USA is about maintaining consistency, not accelerating his workload.

    “The whole point of me doing the WBC is to make sure I can stay on the normal workload of a spring training regimen,” Skubal said. “Everything is going to stay the same. I’m not ramping up earlier than I need to. I don’t want that narrative out there.”

    He added that his focus remains unchanged.

    “I’m treating it as, I’m going to Team USA, making a start there and then coming back to Lakeland and getting ready to throw opening day.”

    Big Picture for the Tigers

    For Detroit, the approach is reassuring. Skubal enters 2026 as the reigning two-time American League Cy Young winner and the unquestioned anchor of the Tigers’ rotation. The team’s careful handling of his WBC involvement reflects just how central he is to their postseason aspirations.

    Team USA gets a star for a moment. The Tigers get their ace for the long haul.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Skubal Sounds Off as MLBPA Prepares for Major Labor Fight

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    Tarik Skubal doesn’t hand out praise lightly, especially when it comes to labor battles that could shape the future of Major League Baseball.

    So when the Detroit Tigers ace says new MLB Players Association leader Bruce Meyer has his “respect for life,” it carries real weight.

    A Unanimous Vote at a Critical Moment

    Just days after former MLBPA executive director Tony Clark resigned, the players moved quickly — and decisively.

    On Feb. 18, a group of 72 players, including the eight-member executive subcommittee and representatives from all 30 teams, unanimously voted Bruce Meyer as the interim executive director of the MLBPA.

    For Skubal, the decision felt obvious.

    “We have a ton of faith in him as a lawyer to negotiate these types of things and to be in that room,” Skubal said via the Detroit Free Press. “What I’ve experienced in years past, he’s going to do the best he can to get us the best deal possible, and as a player, that’s all you can really ask for.”

    Why Skubal Trusts Meyer So Deeply

    Skubal’s confidence isn’t theoretical, it’s personal.

    Earlier this month, Meyer stood beside Skubal in a historic arbitration hearing against the Tigers, personally addressing a three-arbitrator panel in a case that shattered precedent.

    Skubal ultimately won, securing a $32 million salary for the 2026 season, the highest ever awarded to an arbitration-eligible player in MLB history.

    “It was him showing that he’s got our back,” Skubal said.

    Had Skubal lost, he would have received the Tigers’ proposed $19 million figure. Instead, Meyer’s advocacy helped swing a decision that rewrote arbitration history.

    “For a player to come out on the winning side was great,” Skubal said. “For him to come in and speak personally, that experience, he’s earned my respect for life with what he said and how he conveyed it.”

    Preparing for a Looming Labor Fight

    Meyer steps into leadership at a tense moment. The current collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, 2026, and owners are already pushing for a salary cap — something the union strongly opposes.

    A lockout is widely expected.

    Still, Skubal believes the rapid response to Clark’s resignation only strengthened the players’ position.

    “Being able to come to a decision and hearing the voices of everybody in the room and valuing everybody’s opinion,” Skubal said, “and then explaining why things are the way they are, I think that’s only going to make us strong.”

    Skubal at the Center of It All

    Skubal isn’t just watching from the sidelines. He serves on the MLBPA executive subcommittee alongside players like Marcus Semien, Chris Bassitt, Paul Skenes, and Cedric Mullins, giving him a direct voice in shaping what comes next.

    And with Meyer now leading negotiations, Skubal is fully on board.

    “The vote was unanimous for a reason,” Skubal said. “We’re extremely confident in him to accomplish the goals that we want to accomplish.”

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Tarik Skubal Gets Goosebumps Talking About Justin Verlander’s Return

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    Tarik Skubal didn’t pretend this was just another roster move.

    He didn’t downplay it.
    He didn’t act unfazed.
    And he definitely didn’t try to sound cool.

    Instead, the Detroit Tigers’ ace said exactly what was on his mind, and it sounded a lot like a kid meeting his hero.

    “Giddy as a Kid”

    When Skubal found out Justin Verlander was returning to Detroit, the reaction was immediate and emotional.

    He admitted he felt “giddy as a kid” just thinking about the idea of sharing a clubhouse and a rotation with the pitcher he grew up idolizing.

    “If you would have told me 10 years ago that I’m going to be locker mates with Justin Verlander and we’re going to be in the same rotation, I would have called you crazy,” Skubal said via MLive. “It’s pretty special.”

    That’s not something you often hear from the reigning face of a franchise. Skubal is already a Cy Young winner. He’s already the Tigers’ ace. And yet, this moment clearly hits different.

    A Childhood Idol Becomes a Teammate

    Skubal didn’t shy away from calling Verlander what he is to him — a hero.

    “I’m getting the goosebumps again. It’s like a hero,” Skubal said. “You look up to a guy who was playing when you were in high school, watching him win an MVP, watching him chase a Triple Crown. You put him on a pedestal way higher than everybody else. Then you get to share a clubhouse. It’s really cool.”

    That line alone explains why this reunion matters beyond ticket sales or headlines. This isn’t just about nostalgia for fans. It’s personal for the players who grew up watching Verlander define an era of Tigers baseball.

    Locker Neighbors in Lakeland

    Skubal also joked about the surreal nature of the moment down in Lakeland, Florida, where TigerTown has undergone massive renovations since Verlander’s last spring there.

    “I was joking. I go, ‘JV, you need a tour of this place?’ I’m just messing around,” Skubal said. “He was actually serious about it.”

    Even that small exchange captures the generational overlap happening in Detroit right now — the past and present literally walking through the same facilities together.

    Presence Matters

    Skubal knows Verlander’s impact won’t just come every fifth day.

    “We’re going to spend more time with these guys than our families,” Skubal said. “All the baseball stuff just kind of happens naturally. He’s gonna have an impact on a lot of guys here just with his presence, for sure.”

    That might be the most telling quote of all. Verlander doesn’t need to say much. He doesn’t need to force leadership. Just being there changes the room.

    The Bottom Line

    Tarik Skubal is already one of the best pitchers in baseball.

    And yet, he sounds like a fan again.

    The goosebumps.
    The disbelief.
    The joy.

    That’s what Justin Verlander’s return has sparked inside the Tigers’ clubhouse — starting with the guy currently leading the rotation. If this is how Detroit’s ace feels, imagine how the rest of the team is processing it.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • BREAKING: Detroit Tigers/Tarik Skubal Receive in Arbitration Case

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    The Detroit Tigers have officially received their answer, and it’s a historic one.

    According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Tarik Skubal has won his arbitration case, securing a $32 million salary for the 2026 season instead of the $19 million figure submitted by the Tigers.

    With the ruling, Skubal becomes the highest-paid arbitration player in MLB history, surpassing the previous record set by Juan Soto. It’s a massive win for the Tigers’ ace and a defining moment in what has already been one of the most eventful offseasons in franchise history.

    A Historic Decision for an Elite Ace

    Skubal entered arbitration as a back-to-back American League Cy Young winner, and his camp made it clear they believed his value had already reached the very top of the market. The arbitration panel agreed.

    The $32 million award reflects not only Skubal’s dominance on the mound, but also his importance to a Tigers team that has made it clear it wants to win now, not rebuild.

    Timing Matters — And This Was Huge

    The ruling comes less than 24 hours after Detroit agreed to a three-year, $115 million deal with Framber Valdez, a move that instantly elevated expectations for the 2026 season.

    Around the league, rival executives quickly began asking whether a Skubal trade could follow. However, the Tigers have repeatedly insisted that Skubal remains central to their plans, even with his now-record-setting salary.

    While arbitration cases can sometimes strain relationships, Detroit’s recent spending spree sends a clear message: the organization is willing to absorb the cost to keep elite talent at the top of its rotation.

    What This Means Going Forward

    Skubal remains under team control through the 2026 season, and now he’ll headline a rotation alongside Valdez, giving Detroit one of the most intimidating left-handed duos in all of baseball.

    The Tigers didn’t blink — and neither did Skubal.

    This decision solidifies Detroit’s commitment to competing immediately and underscores just how valuable their ace has become across Major League Baseball.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Report: Detroit Tigers Make One Thing Clear After Signing Framber Valdez

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    Within minutes of the Detroit Tigers landing Framber Valdez on a record-setting free-agent deal, the question everyone around baseball immediately asked was the same one fans were whispering at home:

    Does this mean Tarik Skubal is gone?

    According to the Tigers, the answer is a firm no.

    Despite a dramatic, chaotic, and historic night that included arbitration drama, a massive contract, and league-wide shockwaves, Detroit has made one thing clear: they are still all-in on winning with Tarik Skubal in 2026.

    The Question That Sparked the Speculation

    Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that a rival executive wasted no time wondering aloud whether Detroit would flip Skubal if he won his arbitration case.

    “If they lose the arb to Skubal, do they trade him?”

    The Tigers’ response, relayed by a person briefed on the team’s thinking, was simple and direct: No.

    Detroit has consistently stated all offseason that the goal is to compete, not reset, not sell, not hedge. And that stance hasn’t changed, even with the franchise committing $115 million to another ace.

    Arbitration Chaos, Contract Clarity

    The timing couldn’t have been more intense.

    While Tigers executives were finalizing Valdez’s three-year, $115 million contract Wednesday night, they were also locked in a separate room arguing their arbitration case against Skubal.

    The numbers are eye-popping:

    • Tigers’ offer: $19 million
    • Skubal’s request: $32 million

    If Skubal wins, he won’t just set a record — he’ll shatter one. A $32 million award would surpass Juan Soto’s previous arbitration high by $1 million, making Skubal the highest-paid arbitration player in MLB history.

    A decision from the three-person arbitration panel is expected Thursday.

    Why the Valdez Deal Doesn’t Signal a Trade

    On paper, the Valdez signing could be seen as protection. His contract reportedly includes deferrals and a player opt-out after Year 2, giving Detroit flexibility. In theory, adding Valdez could make a Skubal trade easier to stomach.

    In reality? It does the opposite.

    There is no realistic trade package that would make the Tigers stronger in 2026 than simply keeping Tarik Skubal. Detroit knows it. Rival executives know it. And the front office isn’t blinking.

    Valdez wasn’t signed as insurance — he was signed as reinforcement.

    The Bigger Picture: This Is a Win-Now Move

    Detroit didn’t just spend big to avoid losing ground. They spent big to push forward.

    Pairing Valdez with Skubal gives the Tigers one of the most intimidating one-two punches in baseball, especially in a season where the organization believes it can legitimately contend.

    Yes, baseball plans can change. Yes, front offices stay flexible. But right now, everything Detroit has done points in one direction:

    They are trying to win — now.

    And Tarik Skubal remains at the center of it all.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Tarik Skubal Has Perfect Reaction to Detroit Tigers Record-Breaking Signing

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    Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal didn’t need many words to say exactly how he felt about the franchise’s latest blockbuster move.

    Shortly after news broke that the Tigers had agreed to a record-setting contract with left-hander Framber Valdez, Skubal shared a simple but telling Instagram story. The post featured Valdez in his Astros uniform with the words “Dinners on You @Framber_Valdez_Pinales” below the graphic, a clear nod that Skubal was fully tuned in and fully on board.

    For Tigers fans, the message landed loud and clear: Skubal knows exactly what Detroit just did.

    Scott HarrisTarik Skubal contract extension Tarik Skubal Injury Tarik Skubal MLB Playoff Record Tarik Skubal expected to remain with Tigers Tarik Skubal Framber Valdez

    A Statement Move — And Skubal Knows It

    Detroit’s signing of Valdez marked a major shift in how the organization is operating. The deal gives Valdez the highest average annual value ever for a left-handed pitcher, while also setting a new benchmark for a Latin American pitcher.

    For Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner himself, the move signals that the Tigers aren’t just building for the future anymore. They’re pushing to win right now.

    Detroit suddenly boasts one of the most intimidating left-handed duos in baseball, pairing Skubal’s elite swing-and-miss stuff with Valdez’s durability and postseason pedigree.

    Rotation Goes From Strength to Weapon

    The Tigers already viewed Skubal as the anchor of their rotation. Adding Valdez turns that strength into a legitimate weapon.

    It also sends a message inside the clubhouse: the front office is backing its ace. Skubal’s reaction wasn’t flashy or dramatic, and that’s what made it perfect. It was calm, confident, and spoke volumes about where this team believes it’s headed.

    Detroit hasn’t made many moves like this in recent years. This one felt different. And Skubal clearly knows it.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Buster Olney Names 5 Starters Detroit Tigers Could Target (Including 2 Former Cy Young Winners)

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    The Detroit Tigers have made real progress, but they’re still one move away.

    As the organization looks ahead to the 2026 season, the path forward feels obvious: add a true frontline starting pitcher and let everything else fall into place.

    Detroit’s rotation has depth, upside, and stability. What it doesn’t have, yet, is a second, unquestioned difference-maker to pair with Tarik Skubal when the stakes are highest.

    Where the Tigers’ Rotation Stands

    Skubal has established himself as the ace, giving Detroit a legitimate No. 1 starter every time he takes the ball. Behind him, the Tigers currently project a rotation that includes:

    • Jack Flaherty, a veteran with swing-and-miss stuff
    • Casey Mize, still working back toward consistency
    • Reese Olson, steady and reliable
    • Drew Anderson and Troy Melton, providing depth and flexibility

    It’s a solid group, one capable of keeping Detroit competitive. But in October, solid isn’t enough.

    Why a Frontline Arm Changes Everything

    The difference between making the playoffs and making noise in the playoffs often comes down to who starts Games 1 and 2.

    Adding a proven frontline starter would:

    • Reduce the workload on young arms
    • Create favorable playoff matchups
    • Stabilize the rotation during long stretches of the season
    • Instantly raise Detroit’s ceiling

    The Tigers don’t need volume. They need impact.

    Buster Olney Identifies Veteran Fits for Detroit

    MLB insider Buster Olney recently pointed to several veteran starters who could make sense for the Tigers as they push toward contention in 2026.

    Among the pitchers Olney mentioned as potential fits:

    • Justin Verlander
    • Max Scherzer
    • Lucas Giolito
    • Framber Valdez
    • Chris Bassitt

    Each brings a different skill set, but all share one thing in common: they’ve proven they can lead a rotation in meaningful games.

    Whether it’s Verlander or Scherzer’s postseason pedigree, Giolito’s durability, Valdez’s dominance, or Bassitt’s consistency, any one of those arms would immediately slot next to Skubal and give Detroit a playoff-ready top of the rotation.

    Why the Timing Makes Sense

    Detroit isn’t rebuilding anymore, it’s transitioning.

    The roster is young but stabilizing. The rotation has internal answers, but not dominance. Adding a veteran ace now would allow the Tigers to protect their development while still pushing forward.

    It’s the kind of move teams make when they believe their window is opening, not someday, but now.

    Bottom Line

    The Tigers don’t need to overhaul their pitching staff.

    They need one bold addition.

    If Detroit wants 2026 to be about more than just progress, pairing Tarik Skubal with a proven frontline starter, like the veterans highlighted by Buster Olney, may be the move that turns potential into postseason reality.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Tarik Skubal Calls His Shot for 2026 During Cy Young Speech

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    Tarik Skubal didn’t just accept his 2025 American League Cy Young Award on Saturday night, he might’ve dropped a little prophecy along the way.

    As you will see in the video below, which was shared by Brad Galli, Detroit Tigers ace revealed a moment from a conversation he had with manager A.J. Hinch after last year’s awards dinner, and it sure sounds like Skubal already had a sequel in mind.

    “After last year’s dinner, I told AJ (Hinch), same time next year,” Skubal said.

    And then he doubled down.

    “Skip, for the sake of superstition and a three-peat, let’s go ahead and keep the same plan for a year from now.”

    Read that again: three-peat.

    Skubal, who just became the first American League pitcher to win back-to-back Cy Young Awards since Pedro Martinez, isn’t just soaking in the moment. He’s already thinking about making it three in a row, and doing it with the same routine, the same mindset, and the same belief that this is just the beginning of something special.

    Confidence? Absolutely. But when you’re the most dominant pitcher in baseball and coming off another historic season in Detroit, you’ve earned the right to call your shot.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Report: Detroit Tigers, Tarik Skubal Miles Apart as MLB’s Biggest Arbitration Case Looms

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    The Detroit Tigers and ace left-hander Tarik Skubal are officially headed toward a high-stakes salary arbitration showdown, and this one has the potential to rewrite MLB history.

    According to a report from Bob Nightengale, the two sides were nowhere close to reaching a deal before the deadline. Skubal filed at $32 million, while the Tigers countered at $19 million, creating a massive $13 million gap. If Skubal wins his case, it would become the largest arbitration award in Major League Baseball history.

    That alone tells you how serious this situation is.

    Why This Arbitration Case Is Different

    Arbitration gaps happen every year, but this one stands out for several reasons, starting with Skubal’s resume.

    Skubal isn’t just a frontline starter. He’s a two-time Cy Young winner, a Triple Crown winner, and arguably the most dominant pitcher in baseball over the last two seasons. In 2025 alone, he posted:

    • 2.21 ERA
    • 195.1 innings
    • 241 strikeouts
    • 0.891 WHIP
    • 6.5 WAR

    Those are video-game numbers. And Skubal did it while shouldering ace-level workloads and carrying Detroit’s rotation night after night.

    From Skubal’s perspective, this isn’t just about a one-year salary; it’s about establishing his market value before free agency after the 2026 season.

    The Tigers’ Side of the Equation

    Detroit’s filing at $19 million doesn’t mean they don’t value Skubal. It reflects how arbitration works; teams often argue service time, historical comps, and precedent rather than pure on-field dominance.

    Still, the optics are tricky.

    Skubal is the face of the franchise, the clear ace, and the type of player teams typically try to avoid taking to a hearing. Arbitration cases can strain relationships, even when both sides insist it’s “just business.”

    And this one is anything but quiet.

    What Happens Next?

    If no settlement is reached before the hearing, an arbitration panel will choose one number or the other, there’s no middle ground. Either Skubal gets $32 million, or the Tigers’ $19 million figure wins.

    There’s also a chance the two sides still agree to a deal at the last minute, something that happens more often than not. But Bob Nightengale’s reporting makes it clear: these talks are icy.

    The Bigger Picture

    This case could have ripple effects beyond Detroit.

    If Skubal wins, it resets the arbitration ceiling for elite pitchers, especially those represented by Scott Boras. Future aces will point to this case as precedent, and teams across the league will feel it.

    For the Tigers, the challenge is balancing financial discipline with keeping their superstar happy, and keeping the long-term relationship intact as Skubal inches closer to free agency.

    Bottom Line

    Tarik Skubal has earned every dollar he’s asking for on the mound. The question now is whether the Tigers are willing to acknowledge that in arbitration, or risk making franchise history for all the wrong reasons.

    Either way, this is a case the entire baseball world will be watching closely

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    Don Drysdale

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  • MLB Insider Drops HUGE Update on Tarik Skubal’s Future With Tigers

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    The Detroit Tigers are entering a pivotal offseason, one that could define the next several years of their franchise trajectory. At the center of it all is Tarik Skubal, the left-handed ace who just led Detroit to its first postseason series win since 2013 and is widely expected to capture his second straight AL Cy Young Award.

    According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Tigers are not expected to trade Skubal this winter unless an absolutely stunning offer comes along. And given his value, that’s great news for Tigers fans who want to see the team make a run in 2026.

    Nightengale’s Take: Tigers Won’t Move Their Ace

    In his offseason preview, Nightengale shut down speculation that Detroit might dangle its star pitcher in trade talks:

    “The Tigers will at least listen on Skubal, but would have to be completely overwhelmed. Considering that teams know that he won’t sign an extension and plans to hit free agency in a year commanding the biggest deal for a pitcher in history, no one will dare give up more than two top-10 prospects. The Tigers are expected to hang onto him until at least the July 2026 trade deadline.”

    In other words, Skubal isn’t going anywhere, at least not yet. Detroit knows that his presence on the mound gives them a legitimate chance to contend, and general manager Scott Harris isn’t about to sacrifice that momentum for a mediocre return.

    The Reality: Skubal Is the Engine of a Contender

    Over the past two seasons, Skubal has proven to be one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. In 2025, he went 13-6 with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts in 195.1 innings, anchoring the Tigers’ rotation.

    Simply put, when Skubal pitches, the Tigers have a great chance to win. That’s why moving him now, even with free agency looming after 2026, makes little sense. Detroit is fresh off an 87-win campaign, a Wild Card victory over Cleveland, and an ALDS upset of the Yankees before falling to Seattle in the ALCS.

    This is a roster that’s ready to take another leap, not tear things down.

    Why a Trade Makes Little Sense Right Now

    Nightengale’s report highlighted a key point: other teams aren’t willing to meet Detroit’s sky-high asking price. Rival executives know Skubal isn’t signing an extension, which limits his long-term value for any acquiring club.

    Trading him this offseason would bring back less than his true worth, and possibly signal to fans that the Tigers are punting on contention. Harris and manager A.J. Hinch appear to be on the opposite path, especially after Jack Flaherty opted into his $20 million deal and the front office expressed interest in adding another frontline starter and a power right-handed bat.

    If anything, Detroit looks more likely to add than subtract.

    The Big Picture

    Tarik Skubal’s value to the Tigers can’t be overstated. He’s the ace, the tone-setter, and the emotional anchor of a team that believes its championship window is open.

    The front office knows trading him now would undermine everything they’ve built. Holding onto Skubal, even without an extension, signals belief, belief that this roster can win, belief that Detroit is back on the baseball map, and belief that the Tigers are ready to compete with the best in the American League.

    The Bottom Line

    Unless a rival team sends Scott Harris an offer too good to ignore, Tarik Skubal isn’t going anywhere. The Tigers plan to roll into 2026 with their ace at the top of the rotation, ready to chase another deep October run.

    Detroit’s message is clear: they’re not rebuilding anymore — they’re coming to win.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Justin Verlander Could Return to Detroit Tigers for Final MLB Season

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    It’s hard to imagine Major League Baseball without Justin Verlander, but as the 42-year-old wraps up his 20th big-league season, there’s growing speculation that his final MLB stop could be back where it all began, with the Detroit Tigers. In fact, The Athletic recently listed Verlander as a fit for the Tigers.

    A Strong Finish in San Francisco

    After joining the San Francisco Giants on a one-year, $15 million deal, Verlander proved he still has plenty left in the tank. Across 29 starts in 2025, he logged 152 innings with a 3.85 ERA, striking out 137 batters. But it was his September stretch that truly stood out, Verlander posted a 2.08 ERA over five starts, allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of those outings.

    That late-season resurgence reminded fans and front offices alike that Verlander’s competitiveness and command remain elite, even as he inches closer to age 43.

    A Farewell Tour in the Making?

    Verlander has already stated publicly that he plans to pitch at least one more season, which would make 2026 his age-43 campaign. Given his history with the Tigers, the team that drafted him second overall in 2004 and where he won both an MVP and a Cy Young Award, a reunion feels both fitting and sentimental.

    Detroit’s pitching staff, headlined by Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize, has taken major steps forward, but a short-term veteran addition like Verlander could serve as both a stabilizing presence and a symbolic full-circle moment for the franchise.

    The Perfect Ending

    In many ways, bringing Verlander back would be about more than just performance. It would be about legacy. He gave Detroit more than a decade of dominance, from no-hitters to playoff classics, and remains one of the most revered athletes in team history.

    If 2026 is indeed Verlander’s final ride, a one-year swan song with the Tigers could be the perfect way to close out a Hall of Fame career that began on the mound at Comerica Park.

    The Bottom Line

    Justin Verlander has nothing left to prove, but one last season in Detroit would mean everything to the city that watched him become an icon.

    The question now is whether Scott Harris and the Tigers front office are ready to make it happen.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Report: Detroit Tigers ‘Likely’ to Shop Tarik Skubal at Winter Meetings

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    According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Detroit Tigers have hit a major snag in contract negotiations with Tarik Skubal, their ace left-hander and reigning Cy Young Award favorite. The two sides reportedly opened discussions on a long-term extension, but the Tigers were stunned to learn they were “about a quarter of a billion dollars off” from Skubal’s camp’s expectations.

    Skubal, who is entering his walk year in 2026, is expected to command the largest pitching contracts in MLB history.

    Bowden notes that the explosion of mega-deals for superstars like Shohei Ohtani ($700 million) and Juan Soto ($765 million) has reset the entire market, and Skubal’s camp reportedly views him as the pitcher who will “reset the market” for arms.

    Why a Trade May Be on the Horizon 🔁

    The Tigers, despite being poised to contend in 2026, may have no choice but to explore the trade market at the Winter Meetings. Bowden writes that if the team isn’t willing to approach $400 million or more for Skubal, it would be a mistake to wait until next summer’s trade deadline, when his value could drop or the risk of injury rises.

    Instead, Detroit could look to capitalize on the intense interest from several big-market contenders with deep farm systems. Teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets are expected to be among the most aggressive suitors.

    For context, Skubal just wrapped up another dominant season, going 13-6 with a 2.21 ERA, 195.1 innings pitched, and 241 strikeouts, all while maintaining an elite 0.891 WHIP. That performance makes him one of the two premier arms in baseball, alongside Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

    The Big Picture

    If the Tigers do move Skubal, it would be a seismic decision, one that signals Detroit’s long-term vision may prioritize sustained competitiveness over an all-in 2026 run. Still, losing a homegrown Cy Young–level ace at just 28 years old would be a tough pill for fans to swallow.

    Skubal’s market value and dominance make him a centerpiece for any rotation in the league. But unless Detroit’s ownership and front office are ready to push past $400 million, this offseason could mark the end of his Tigers tenure.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Detroit Tigers Make Insulting Offer to Tarik Skubal

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    Following the 2024 season, the Detroit Tigers reportedly made a “noncompetitive” offer to Tarik Skubal. Well, according to a report from Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, we now know that the offer made was not only “noncompetitive”, it was insulting.

    According to sources of Petzold, Detroit offered Skubal a four-year deal worth less than $100 million following the 2024 season. The proposal would have covered his final two arbitration years and just two of his free-agent years, meaning he would have hit the open market after the 2028 season. That’s right, folks, the Tigers offered the reigning Cy Young winner less than $25 million per season!

    Not surprisingly, Skubal said no.

    And he was right to.

    A $250 Million Gap

    Fast forward to this week, and that “noncompetitive” offer resurfaced thanks to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, who revealed that Skubal and the Tigers are now a whopping $250 million apart in negotiations.

    Many estimate that Skubal, the best left-handed pitcher in baseball, could command at least $400 million in free agency after the 2026 season. That puts Detroit’s earlier offer in laughable territory, essentially one-fourth of what the reigning AL Cy Young finalist is expected to be worth on the open market.

    For a front office that preaches “building around pitching,” this latest revelation feels like a slap in the face to fans who’ve watched Skubal develop into one of the league’s most dominant arms.

    What This Says About the Tigers

    The message this sends isn’t a great one. If the Tigers were serious about keeping Skubal as the face of their franchise, a four-year deal under $100 million isn’t how you show it. It’s the kind of offer you make when you want to say you “tried,” not when you actually want to lock down your ace.

    This also reignites the question: Will the Tigers trade Tarik Skubal this offseason? Team president Scott Harris has remained coy, but if negotiations are truly this far apart, Detroit could be forced into a decision sooner rather than later.

    Letting Skubal walk, or trading him for prospects, would send a clear signal that the Tigers are still stuck in rebuild mode, even after years of promising that better days are ahead.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Tarik Skubal Reflects on Heartbreaking Game 5 Loss vs. Mariners

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    When Tarik Skubal walked off the mound in the sixth inning of Game 5 of the ALDS, emotion poured out of him. The Detroit Tigers’ ace had just fired three straight fastballs past Cal Raleigh, the final one clocking in at nearly 101 mph. His roar and fist pump weren’t just a celebration; they were a release. It was the look of a pitcher who gave everything he had.

    Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. The Tigers’ season came to an end after a grueling 15-inning, 3-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Friday night.

    A Dominant Outing from Detroit’s Ace

    Skubal was nothing short of spectacular. In six innings, he struck out 13 Mariners, walked none, and allowed just two hits. His performance set a Major League Baseball postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts, a feat that will live in October lore.

    But for Skubal, the stats didn’t matter.

    “It doesn’t really matter,” he said postgame via the Detroit Free Press. “We lost. I don’t really want to talk about myself right now, to be honest.”

    The 2024 AL Cy Young winner, and likely 2025 frontrunner, has made a name for himself as one of the fiercest competitors in the sport. Yet even in a record-breaking performance, his focus remained squarely on the team.

    ‘It’s Meant to Hurt’ — The Pain of Falling Short

    When Skubal left the game, the Tigers held a 2-1 lead, just nine outs away from the ALCS. The bullpen couldn’t hold it, and the Tigers’ bats went cold. After the game, Skubal’s words carried the quiet frustration of a player who knows he did everything possible.

    “It’s tough,” Skubal admitted. “It’s meant to sting. It’s meant to hurt.”

    He threw 99 pitches and displayed his trademark fire with every fastball. But as he sat in the dugout, watching the season slip away, he could only think about what comes next.

    Turning Pain Into Motivation

    Skubal wasn’t about to let the loss define him. Instead, he spoke like a man determined to make sure it never happens again.

    “It will hurt for a little bit, and then you got to rechannel that into motivation to make yourself never want to feel that feeling again,” Skubal said. “That’s what motivates me, trying to win a World Series. Being on a team that’s playing late into October, that’s the motivation for me. I just want to win. Obviously, we fell short this year, but we’ll be back. I’m confident in that.”

    Those words, and that mindset, are exactly what Tigers fans have come to love about Skubal. He doesn’t just want to be great; he wants to be the reason Detroit raises another banner at Comerica Park next season.

    The Bottom Line

    The Detroit Tigers may have been eliminated, but Tarik Skubal proved once again why he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball. His passion, leadership, and drive are setting the standard for this young Tigers team.

    Game 5 might have ended in heartbreak, but for Skubal, it’s just the beginning of something bigger. The question is, will that “something bigger” be with the Detroit Tigers? That is a discussion for another day.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • A.J. Hinch Explains Controversial Decision to Pull Tarik Skubal in Game 5 Loss to Mariners

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    Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch didn’t hesitate when asked about his decision to pull Tarik Skubal after six dominant innings in Game 5 of the ALDS, a move that immediately sparked debate among fans.

    Skubal, who struck out 13 Mariners and set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts, was dealing. But after 99 pitches, Hinch said the call was clear.

    “Easy decision,” Hinch said as quoted by the Detroit Free Press. “After the fifth (inning), I checked in on him — how he was doing physically and emotionally. We both knew that he had one (inning) left. He emptied his tank and was emotional coming off the mound, and I think that signals exactly where we were in the game.”

    For Hinch, it wasn’t about numbers — it was about recognizing a pitcher who gave everything he had left.

    “He gave us everything he could,” Hinch continued. “He’s pitched on regular rest now three or four starts in a row. He empties his tank from pitch one. It was an easy decision.”

    The Tigers would go on to lose the decisive Game 5, ending their playoff run, but Hinch stood firm that his ace left everything on the field — both physically and emotionally.

    It may not make the sting of elimination any softer, but one thing is clear: Tarik Skubal gave Detroit everything he had, and A.J. Hinch knew exactly when his star’s tank was finally empty.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Seattle Mariners reach ALCS for first time in 24 years after 15-inning classic

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    (CNN) — Four hours and 58 minutes after it had begun, the longest winner-takes-all playoff game in MLB history was decided in suitably dramatic fashion on Friday night.

    With the bases loaded, one out and a full count, Jorge Polanco – who was 0-for-5 up until that point – sent the 472nd pitch of the night into right field, and sent the Seattle Mariners to their first American League Championship Series (ALCS) in 24 years with a 3-2 win over the Detroit Tigers.

    “A lot of emotions since the start of the game,” Polanco reflected afterward. “I know we played a long game, but this team never gives up. I know there is a lot of emotion but we always try and keep it simple and just try and go out there and play.”

    Jorge Polanco’s hit has already gone down as one of the biggest moments in franchise history. Credit: John Froschauer / AP via CNN Newsource

    Polanco’s single may be the moment that fans will still be talking about in 20 years, but Seattle’s victory in Game 5 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) was defined by an extraordinary night from its pitching staff.

    Starters Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo both pitched in relief for the first time in their major league careers, while relievers Matt Brash and Eduard Bazardo made their longest ever appearances.

    There were also contributions from Gabe Speier and Andrés Muñoz, after George Kirby had given up one run in five innings to kick things off.

    “I don’t even know where to begin to try to recap all the heroic efforts that went into today. Just from one guy to the next,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson told reporters afterward. “Just an incredible ballgame from top to bottom.”

    For the Tigers, another wonderful showing from Tarik Skubal would come to mean nothing. The two-time All-Star gave up one run off two hits and no walks in six innings, striking out 13 – a record number of punchouts for a postseason winner-takes-all game.

    His dominance had Detroit 2-1 up after the sixth, in which Kerry Carpenter had hit a two-run homer off Speier.

    But Skubal’s subsequent exit would see the Mariners tie the game immediately thanks to one of the evening’s many unlikely heroes.

    Leo Rivas, a journeyman minor leaguer who only made his MLB debut last year, stepped up for the first postseason at-bat of his career on his 28th birthday. His single to left field brought home Polanco, and the game was tied again.

    “It’s hard,” Rivas said afterward of a career which had seen him wait the best part of a decade for his opportunity. “(Watching) everybody go all the way like that. Most people just give up.

    “It’s not easy. I was thinking to give up back then also.”

    Rivas’ RBI single took the game to extra innings, where missed opportunities for Seattle in the 10th, 12th and 13th had the crowd at T-Mobile Park fearing a potential repeat of 2022, when the Mariners were eliminated at this stage by the Houston Astros after 18 innings.

    The Seattle Mariners had not reached the ALCS since 2001. Credit: Steph Chambers / Getty Images via CNN Newsource

    J.P. Crawford went 1-for-7 that night, and so it was only fitting that it should be him who touched home off Polanco’s single on Friday to clinch the walk-off victory and begin the wild celebrations.

    The Mariners begin their bid to reach a first ever World Series on Sunday, facing off against the Toronto Blue Jays in Canada.

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    Jamie Barton and CNN

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  • Tarik Skubal Sets MLB Playoff Record in Game 5 of ALDS

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    Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal etched his name into postseason history on Friday night, setting an MLB Playoff record with seven consecutive strikeouts in Game 5 of the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners.

    Skubal was nothing short of dominant early, striking out 10 Mariners through four innings without issuing a single walk. The left-hander’s fastball command and devastating off-speed mix left Seattle’s lineup completely overmatched during one of the most electric starts of his career.

    Despite Skubal’s brilliance, the Tigers trailed 1-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning at the time of this article. Still, his record-breaking performance has already secured its place in MLB lore, another reminder that when Skubal takes the mound, history can happen at any moment.

    Stat line (through 4 innings): 10 K, 0 BB, 2 H, 1 ER.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Detroit Tigers Release Starting Lineup for Do-Or-Die Game 5 vs. Mariners

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    The Detroit Tigers are staring down a win-or-go-home situation tonight as they face the Seattle Mariners in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. Manager A.J. Hinch has released his lineup, and it’s loaded with familiar names ready to keep the season alive.

    Tigers Starting Lineup — Game 5 at Seattle

    1. Kerry Carpenter (RF)
    2. Gleyber Torres (2B)
    3. Riley Greene (LF)
    4. Spencer Torkelson (1B)
    5. Colt Keith (DH)
    6. Zach McKinstry (3B)
    7. Dillon Dingler (C)
    8. Parker Meadows (CF)
    9. Javier Báez (SS)

    Starting Pitcher: Tarik Skubal (LHP)

    What to Watch For

    The Tigers are handing the ball to their ace, Tarik Skubal, who’s been lights-out this postseason. In two playoff starts, the left-hander has posted a 1.84 ERA with 23 strikeouts across 14.2 innings, pure dominance when it mattered most.

    Offensively, Javier Báez has quietly been Detroit’s most consistent bat in October, hitting .346 with a team-leading five RBIs. Meanwhile, Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson have provided key pop in the middle of the order, each contributing timely hits throughout the series.

    The pressure will be on Kerry Carpenter and Gleyber Torres to set the tone early against a Mariners pitching staff that’s been stingy at home.

    The Bottom Line

    This is it, one game to decide who moves on to the ALCS. The Tigers have battled through ups and downs all postseason, and with their ace on the mound and a balanced lineup ready to go, Detroit believes it can finish the job.

    First pitch is scheduled for 8:07 PM ET at T-Mobile Park.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • ALDS: When Will Tigers vs. Mariners Game 5 Start?

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    The Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners are headed for a winner-take-all Game 5 in the American League Division Series after Detroit evened the series at two games apiece on Wednesday.

    Game 5 is set for Friday at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, but the exact start time depends on the outcome of tonight’s Yankees–Blue Jays matchup:

    • If the Yankees defeat the Blue Jays in Game 4, the Tigers/Mariners first pitch will be at 4:40 p.m. ET on FS1.
    • If the Blue Jays win and advance to the ALCS, the Tigers/Mariners game will shift to 8:08 p.m. ET on FOX.

    It will be a duel of aces on the mound, with left-hander Tarik Skubal getting the start for the Tigers and right-hander George Kirby toeing the rubber for the Mariners.

    The winner of Friday’s decisive Game 5 will move on to face either Toronto or New York in the ALCS, which begins Sunday.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Tarik Skubal’s Perfect Quote Captures the Tigers’ Calm Following Game 2 Loss

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    The Detroit Tigers didn’t get the sweep they wanted in Seattle, but they’re taking the series back to Comerica Park tied 1–1, and that’s exactly the position Tarik Skubal and company were aiming for.

    A road split and a clear head

    After the Seattle Mariners evened the American League Division Series with a 3–2 win in Game 2, Tarik Skubal wasn’t sulking. He was smiling.

    “We did our job,” Skubal said via the Detroit News. “We have home-field advantage now.”

    Skubal, who struck out nine batters over seven strong innings, refused to let negativity creep in, even after giving up a pair of solo home runs that proved decisive.

    “Obviously, you want to win every single game, but that’s not reality. It’s impossible,” he continued. “But we get to go home and play in front of the best fans in baseball. It’s not that we’re satisfied going home 1-1. But I like to think optimistically, not glass half empty in that sense. We did accomplish something coming here and taking one from them.”

    It’s classic Skubal, pragmatic, competitive, and quietly confident.

    AJ Hinch’s steady hand

    Tigers manager A.J. Hinch didn’t hide his disappointment at the missed opportunity, but his message was clear: Detroit is still right where it wants to be.

    “We couldn’t quite create enough pressure,” Hinch said. “Obviously it’s a frustrating loss because every loss at this time of year is frustrating. But I’m proud of our group and excited to get home.”

    The Tigers haven’t played a game at Comerica Park since September 21, and haven’t won there since September 6. That home-field energy can’t come soon enough.

    Finnegan’s accountability

    Reliever Kyle Finnegan, who surrendered back-to-back doubles to Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez in the eighth inning, took full responsibility.

    “We’d have loved to get this one,” Finnegan admitted. “But we’re playing good ball. These were two really good games and we’re headed back 1-1. This one stings a little bit. If I’d have gone out and kept it tied, we might’ve had some magic at the end of the game. But it’s 1-1. Could be worse.”

    That mix of honesty and optimism runs through the entire clubhouse, a group that’s playing loose and believing in its own momentum.

    Skubal keeps perspective — and his humor

    When asked what he planned to do now that the series is shifting to Detroit, Skubal flashed the grin that’s made him a clubhouse favorite.

    “First thing I’m going to do is go to the field and make sure I stay on my routine and prepare for my next start,” he said. “Then I’m going to go to sleep. Sleep and laundry. I’m down to my last clean pair of underwear. And then wake up excited to go to the yard. Home playoff game. Can’t wait to hear the environment we can provide and use it to our advantage.”

    For a team that’s spent two weeks on the road, that line hit home, literally and figuratively. The Tigers are tired, but they’re not rattled.

    No panic. No quit. Just belief.

    Seattle may have evened the series, but Detroit’s mood after Game 2 said everything about where this team is mentally. They’re calm. They’re confident. And they’re coming home.

    “There is no quit in this group,” Skubal said. “We battled our ass off all game.”

    Expect Comerica Park to be electric when the Tigers take the field on Tuesday. Because for all the talk of missed chances, the Tigers still hold the most important edge of all… belief.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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