The Thanksgiving spirit was starting to hit harder than ever when Tarik Skubal reacted to the Lions’ viral halftime show. Inspired by Eminem’s standout performance and Jack White’s surprise cameo, Detroit’s ace seemed ready to bring that same excitement to Comerica Park.

Right after the Lions’ Thanksgiving halftime show during the Lions vs. Packers game, the two-time Cy Young winner dropped a cryptic post on X. “Goosebumps… @Eminem @jackwhite “Are you guys available April 3rd?” he noted.

If you didn’t get the memo, the Tigers ace is trying to recruit music sensations Eminem and Jack White for Detroit’s home opener falling on April 3rd at Comerica Park.

Tarik Skubal loved how Eminem and White set the stage on fire this Thursday. His post went up only moments after a halftime show exploded on X. You can say their performance ended up overshadowing the Lions’ loss.

Watching Tarik Skubal recruiting for the Tigers’ opening day had fans pleading with him to stick with the Tigers. The comments were flooded with fans urging him to not test the free agency at all.

Tarik Skubal’s trade rumors exist in the first place from the belief that the Tigers’ front office might not be able to afford the massive extension he’s expected to command.

A recent poll of 16 MLB executives offered an insight into how the league views Tarik Skubal’s future.

Among the 13 who responded, 10 believed he’ll spend the entire 2026 season with the Tigers. The remaining three executives, however, predicted that the left-hander will be moved. And none of them see the Tigers handing the ace an extension.

Clubs like the Yankees, Mets, and several others would jump at the chance to trade for Tarik Skubal. However, as we stand currently, it looks like the ace will be staying in Detroit for the 2026 season at least. Even the Tigers’ front office won’t be moving him unless there’s an offer they can’t say no to, and those proposals aren’t expected to land on Scott Harris’ desk anytime soon.

That’s why you can expect Tarik Skubal to stay in Detroit through 2026. And well, fans want that too!

Fans react as Tarik Skubal hints that he’s staying in Detroit amid trade buzz

Fans needed no more signs. They simply announced to the world that Detroit’s ace is staying. “BREAKING: Skubal is staying in Detroit,” a fan noted. A week after the left-hander was voted American League Cy Young Award winner for the second year in a row, he opened up about how he feels about his name floating in the trade rumors.

Appearing on the Foul Territory podcast, Tarik Skubal brushed off the rumors, saying his contract situation and potential trades are made up “out of nothing.”

So, even the 29-year-old is willing to stay.

“C’mon @tigers, our man clearly wants to stay here,” another fan noted. Keeping Skubal through 2026 gives the Tigers another real shot at a title run with the back-to-back AL Cy Young winner.

And the cherry on top is they get more time to convince him to stay in Detroit long-term. Maybe that mix of winning and stability creates the perfect window for both sides to agree on a deal before he reaches free agency.

And Tarik Skubal does want to remain in Detroit, so eventually that’s what is likely to happen.

Another fan quipped, “Pay this man!” From a financial standpoint, Tarik Skubal could be in line to top Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s record $325 million deal. And then, there’s even a real chance he becomes the first $400 million pitcher in MLB history.

Not subtle requests, but the Tigers were ordered to give Skubal the pact he deserves. “@tigers Better PAY THIS MAN!”

It’s still uncertain if the Tigers’ front office can afford his long-term services.

Then, one commented on what many have been feeling: “You should be a Detroit legend for the rest of your life. And if Ilitch doesn’t sign you, it will be possibly the worst Detroit sports decision of all time.”

Clearly, if Chris Ilitch doesn’t find a way to keep the generational arm, the Tigers and his ownership will come under major scrutiny.