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10h ago

Skubal Files for $32 Million as Tigers Offer $19 Million in Record Arbitration Standoff

The dispute sets up a precedent test for pitcher pay in arbitration.

Oct 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) reacts after striking out Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (not pictured) during the sixth inning during game five of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 05: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers warms up against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning in game two of the Division Series at T-Mobile Park on October 05, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
January 6, 2026
Oct 5, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) reacts in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners during game two of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Tarik Skubal filed at $32 million for 2026 while Detroit countered at $19 million, leaving a $13 million gap with hearings set for Jan. 26–Feb. 13.
  • If an arbitration panel sides with Skubal, the award would surpass David Price’s $19.75 million pitcher mark and even Juan Soto’s overall record $31 million.
  • The two-time AL Cy Young winner went 13–6 with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts in 195 1/3 innings in 2025, reinforcing his case.
  • Both sides can still settle before hearings through a one-year compromise or a multi-year deal, though Skubal reaches free agency after 2026 and last winter agreed to $10.15 million for 2025 to avoid a hearing.
  • Detroit’s local-media revenue uncertainty and Scott Harris’s stance that no player is untouchable frame trade chatter linking clubs like the Dodgers and Yankees, with reporting suggesting the Tigers keep Skubal absent an overwhelming offer.