Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, the two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner, filed for a record $32 million in salary arbitration for the 2026 season, while the Tigers countered with $19 million. This $13 million gap marks the largest in arbitration history. The filing came after the two sides failed to agree before Thursday's deadline, setting up a potential hearing.
The arbitration exchange highlights a significant dispute between Skubal and the Tigers, who have adopted a 'file and trial' approach under president of baseball operations Scott Harris. This means they do not negotiate one-year deals after the deadline but are open to multiyear discussions. Skubal, represented by agent Scott Boras, is entering his final year of club control before free agency in 2027. His 2025 performance was dominant: in 195 1/3 innings over 31 starts, he posted a 2.21 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 187 ERA+, and led the AL with 6.5 WAR according to Baseball Reference.
If Skubal prevails in a hearing, scheduled between January 26 and February 13, his $32 million would surpass Juan Soto's $31 million record from 2024 and shatter David Price's $19.75 million mark for pitchers set in 2015 with the Tigers. The midpoint between the filings is $25.5 million, and the panel will select one figure or the other, with no compromise. Skubal's camp plans to invoke the 'special accomplishment' provision in the collective bargaining agreement to argue beyond service time comparisons, citing his two Cy Young Awards—the first consecutive wins since Pedro Martinez in 1999-2000—and inflation-adjusted values.
The Tigers' $19 million figure draws from comparisons to Price, who had superior career stats at a similar stage, including more wins (86-51 vs. Skubal's 54-37), innings (1,221 1/3 vs. 766 2/3), and strikeouts (1,147). Factors like Skubal's past injuries, including flexor tendon surgery in 2022-2023, may also play a role. Detroit's last arbitration hearing was in 2019, where they defeated Michael Fulmer.
Trade speculation surrounds Skubal this offseason, with the Tigers listening to offers but demanding a high price, as reported by the New York Post regarding talks with the Yankees. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised Skubal, saying, 'I love everything about Tarik.' Skubal himself expressed hope to remain in Detroit for 2026 after winning his second Cy Young in November.
Overall, 18 players exchanged figures league-wide, up from 17 last year but down from 33 in 2023. The Tigers agreed with seven other arbitration-eligible players on Thursday, including Casey Mize at $6.15 million and Riley Greene at $5 million.
