The Detroit Tigers have one of the best pitching aces. But his staying with the Tigers after 2026 is not yet confirmed, bringing in an ultimatum for their future.

MLB Insider Jesse Rogers wrote about the things the Tigers need to do in the offseason. And Tarik Skubal was the talking point.

“Address the elephant in the room: Tarik Skubal,” wrote Rogers. “Unsigned after next year, the team and player are set to go to arbitration… Settling his long-term future wouldn’t hurt… if the Tigers are to do great things on the field in 2026, they need Skubal.”

The Detroit Tigers can commit long-term money to Tarik Skubal or risk losing him eventually. That decision carries weight because Detroit is coming off playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025. Skubal sits at the center because his presence directly supports contention and roster stability.

Both sides are now heading toward arbitration after failing to bridge a historic salary gap.

Detroit filed at $19 million while Skubal submitted $32 million for the 2026 season. That $13 million difference is the largest arbitration gap ever recorded for a pitcher. Meanwhile, independent projections placed Skubal at around $17.8 million, showing the financial gap.

The disagreement stems from differing interpretations of arbitration norms within the collective bargaining agreement.

The Tigers argue that precedent limits raises, while Tarik Skubal cites special accomplishments and service time. Those provisions allow comparisons beyond arbitration peers, including free agent salaries across the baseball league.

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This clash pushes both parties toward a February hearing with unpredictable arbitrator outcomes possible. And public disputes in arbitration often harden positions and reduce chances for future negotiations.

That tension matters because Skubal is represented by Scott Boras and holds union influence. Once trust erodes, teams frequently explore trades rather than attempt uncertain long-term resolutions.

Perception also plays a role, as Detroit’s filing appears low relative to Skubal’s impact.

In 2025, he logged 195.1 innings, a 2.21 ERA, and a 0.89 WHIP, league best. He also struck out 241 batters, leading baseball and supporting a $32 million valuation. Those numbers followed consecutive Cy Young Awards, achievements already acknowledged in the context of arbitration history.

Since Skubal debuted in 2020, Detroit’s results show steady improvement in wins and seasonal totals.

The Detroit Tigers climbed from 23 wins in 2020 to 87 wins in the 2025 regular season.

Moving him would inject uncertainty into planning and materially lower Detroit’s short-term outlook.

But the Detroit Tigers are juggling more than just Tarik Skubal’s looming arbitration headache.

Amid Skubal’s arbitration battle, the Tigers appear ready to part ways with Baez

While the ace pitcher fights for a historic payday, the front office is quietly eyeing Javier Baez’s exit.

Trade rumors around Detroit Tigers’ shortstop Javier Baez have resurfaced in recent days.

Baez has spent four seasons in Detroit since signing in December 2021 after free agency. During this time, he has averaged .229 with a .626 OPS, hitting 44 home runs. In 2025 alone, he batted .257 with 12 homers and 57 RBIs, showing limited improvement.

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Baez’s contract continues to complicate any trade discussions, with $24 million owed in both 2026 and 2027. Analysts note that his salary and declining performance make him difficult for other teams to acquire. While he once offered offensive promise, his overall production has not met expectations in Detroit.

These factors combine to make his future with the Tigers uncertain as trade talks remain speculative.

Despite the challenges, the Tigers are focused on preparing their roster for the upcoming season. Time is limited with spring training approaching, leaving little margin for prolonged negotiations. Management must balance salary obligations, on-field performance, and potential trade returns.

Skubal’s payday and Baez’s uncertain future are shaping Detroit’s offseason more than fans expected. Javier Baez might leave, but the Tigers’ front office seems perfectly content testing other teams’ patience.