As of January 14, 2025, Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal has agreed to a one-year, $10.15 million contract for the 2025 season, avoiding arbitration.
This agreement follows Skubal’s outstanding 2024 season, where he secured the American League Cy Young Award, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA.
Despite this one-year deal, Skubal is under team control through the 2026 season and is set to become a free agent in 2027.
Earlier in the offseason, the Tigers attempted to negotiate a long-term extension with Skubal. However, reports indicate that the offer was not competitive, and the two sides did not come close to an agreement.
Skubal’s agent, Scott Boras, is known for securing top-dollar contracts for his clients, often encouraging them to test free agency. Given Skubal’s recent accolades and performance, he is in a strong position to command a significant contract upon reaching free agency.
The Tigers’ decision to agree to a one-year deal for 2025 allows both parties to avoid arbitration and provides the team with additional time to consider a more substantial long-term offer. For Skubal, this arrangement offers financial security for the upcoming season while keeping future options open.
In addition to Skubal, the Tigers have reached agreements with several other arbitration-eligible players, including Casey Mize ($2.34 million), Jake Rogers ($2.64 million), Matt Vierling ($3.005 million), Will Vest ($1.4 million), and Jason Foley ($3.15 million). These deals ensure that key contributors remain under contract as the team prepares for the 2025 season.
As the Tigers look ahead, securing Skubal’s services beyond 2026 will be a priority. His performance has been instrumental in the team’s recent successes, and retaining him would be a significant step toward sustained competitiveness. However, navigating the complexities of contract negotiations, especially with a high-profile agent like Boras, will require strategic planning and financial commitment from the organization.
For now, fans can look forward to another season with Skubal leading the pitching rotation, hopeful that both sides can eventually agree on a long-term deal that keeps the Cy Young winner in Detroit for years to come.
