Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers (Image via Getty) The Detroit Tigers are reportedly on the verge of one of the most shocking moves in recent MLB history potentially waiving or trading ace pitcher Tarik Skubal in what insiders are calling a “groundbreaking offseason roster overhaul. Following a late-season collapse that saw them lose the division to the Cleveland Guardians, the team is now reportedly preparing to part ways with their ace pitcher, Tarik Skubal. Once viewed as the cornerstone of Detroit’s rotation, Skubal could now be heading elsewhere, signaling a potential shift in the franchise’s direction.
Detroit Tigers’ Collapse and the Skubal Dilemma
The Detroit Tigers’ late stumble ended their playoff hopes, but the offseason storyline that followed has overshadowed everything else: Tarik Skubal’s uncertain future in Detroit. The Cy Young winner, represented by Scott Boras, has yet to reach common ground with the team on a contract extension.“Two things I believe to be true. 1. Scott Boras and Tarik Skubal want to hit free agency a year from now. No extension this offseason. 2. The Detroit Tigers are not going all in to win with Skubal in 2026,” wrote 97.1 The Ticket’s Jim Costa, highlighting the widening rift between player and franchise. (H/t: Sporting News)
Contract Talks Collapse Over Massive Financial Gap
Detroit Tigers greet Javier Baez, right, after hitting a walk-off single (Image via AP Photo).
Reports indicate that extension negotiations between the two sides have hit a wall due to a staggering difference in financial expectations. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the disagreement could be “quite possibly the biggest gap in MLB negotiating history,” with the two parties roughly $250 million apart.DetailInformation Player Tarik Skubal Agent Scott Boras Reported Gap in Negotiations $250 million Team’s Position Unlikely to extend; considering tradeThe Tigers are reportedly hesitant to commit a deal that would approach the $400 million mark, while Skubal, entering his prime, is seeking both elite compensation and a legitimate shot at a championship.
Trade Rumors Gain Momentum
With extension talks going nowhere, Detroit may already have its course set. According to The Detroit Times, “The Tigers will ‘likely’ shop Tarik Skubal during winter meetings, per Jim Bowden.”That statement alone signals a franchise ready to pivot. Instead of risking losing Skubal for nothing in free agency, the Detroit Tigers appear prepared to trade their ace while his market value is at its peak.
Kyle Tucker No Longer the Hottest Name on the Market
Until this point, Kyle Tucker was expected to dominate the offseason rumor mill. However, Skubal’s potential availability changes that narrative. A reigning Cy Young winner entering his prime instantly becomes one of baseball’s most desirable trade targets.Teams with championship aspirations and deep farm systems are expected to be in the mix. Skubal offers a rare combination of elite performance and long-term control, even if his price tag – both financially and in trade capital – will be steep.
Boston Red pitcher Jose De Leon (78) is relieved as they take on the Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning (Image via Imagn)
Offseason Market LeadersNotable Detail Tarik Skubal Cy Young winner, likely trade candidate Kyle Tucker Premier free agent hitter Blake Snell Veteran ace, free agent Shohei Ohtani Cornerstone player, already locked with Dodgers
What Lies Ahead for Skubal and the Detroit Tigers
Skubal’s reported desire to “get paid – and win” puts him squarely in the sights of big-market contenders. For Detroit, this development could mark the start of another rebuild phase – or a retool centered around the assets gained from a blockbuster deal.As Hunter Cookston originally reported, “The Detroit Tigers have reportedly been in extension talks with Skubal, but at this point, it seems almost like a joke due to the massive gap in money.” That statement sums up the situation perfectly – Detroit’s ace and its front office are miles apart, and a resolution may now come only through a trade.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers could sign $400 million Cy Young Winner to bolster squad around Shohei Ohtani and Blake SnellThe offseason hasn’t even officially begun, yet the temperature has already spiked. With Tarik Skubal now reportedly on the market, baseball’s winter meetings could turn into a bidding war unlike any other.