Overview
- Tarik Skubal filed for $32 million and the Tigers countered at $19 million, a $13 million spread that outlets report is the largest in MLB arbitration history.
- If Skubal prevails, his figure would set a new all-time arbitration salary record and surpass both Juan Soto’s $31 million overall mark and David Price’s $19.75 million pitcher record.
- The practical focal point is the $25.5 million midpoint, as each side seeks to show Skubal is worth one dollar more or less before the panel chooses a single number.
- Detroit traditionally operates as a file-and-trial club, making a pre-hearing settlement unlikely, with hearings scheduled between Jan. 26 and Feb. 13 in Scottsdale.
- The two-time AL Cy Young winner is entering his final season of team control, and the case’s outcome could shape Detroit’s payroll approach and set precedent for elite pitchers near free agency.