Following last week's exchange of record arbitration figures—a $13 million gap with Tarik Skubal seeking $32 million and the Tigers filing $19 million—the dispute highlights rarely invoked collective-bargaining agreement provisions. Skubal's back-to-back Cy Young Awards could set new norms for pitchers in their final arbitration year.
Represented by Scott Boras, Skubal argues his ask aligns with CBA clauses for special accomplishments and five-plus years of service, allowing comparisons to free-agent deals with AAVs over $32 million, such as those of Zack Wheeler, Jacob deGrom, Blake Snell, Gerrit Cole, and Corbin Burnes.
The Tigers deem it excessive, citing historical pitcher benchmarks like David Price's $19.75 million in 2016. They offered under $20 million pre-filing—above Price and deGrom raises but below Jack Flaherty's current $20 million salary—potentially missing a chance to file higher and shift the $25.5 million midpoint.
A February hearing looms if no deal is reached, amid trade rumors for Detroit's top pitcher post-playoffs. Healthy in 2026, his last controlled year, Skubal could fetch ~$400 million in free agency. No prior back-to-back Cy Young winner has arbitrated here, echoing Ryan Howard's 2008 special clause win. Juan Soto's $31 million 2024 record lacked an MVP. Outcomes could shape future CBA negotiations.