According to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, the Tigers and Tarik Skubal are scheduled to meet Wednesday to present their cases for salary arbitration. The two sides could still reach an agreement beforehand, but if the hearing proceeds, an arbitrator will decide between the Tigers’ $19 million offer and the $32 million figure submitted by Skubal and agent Scott Boras.
That $13 million gap may help explain why Detroit has yet to add another starting pitcher or a significant bat this offseason. On Sunday, Eugenio Suárez re-signed with the Reds on a one-year, $15 million deal, further suggesting that Colt Keith is likely to open camp as the Tigers’ starting third baseman.
If Skubal prevails, he would set a new arbitration record, surpassing the $31 million mark established by Juan Soto two years ago.
Main Street Sports Is Losing Steam
According to John Ourand, six of the nine teams with Main Street Sports are moving their media rights to the league. The Tigers, Braves and Angels are still yet to decide. Main Streets Sports, better known as FanDuel Sports Network, has reportedly been negotiating with DAZN, who is known for MMA and boxing events.
According to Sports Business Journal, if they lose all their MLB teams, they could lead to a Chapter 7 situation, versus reorganizing in a Chapter 11 situation.
Jim Bowden Grades the Tigers on a Tough Curve
Also in the Athletic on Monday morning, former baseball executive Jim Bowden gave his offseason grades for all 30 MLB teams. The Tigers received a “C+" for their offseason, which was the third-best grade in the AL Central. Both Cleveland and Minnesota received a "D" for their offseason while the White Sox received a B- and Kansas City got the highest grade with a “B” and his favorite to win the division.
On the Tigers, this is what Bowden said on his key takeaway:
"The Tigers brought back Gleyber Torres and Kyle Finnegan on club-friendly deals, and I liked the pickup of closer Kenley Jansen to bolster the back end of their bullpen. However, they couldn’t sign Tarik Skubal to an extension or agree on a contract for this season, and it looks like an arbitration panel will decide his 2026 salary. The Tigers low-balled him with a $19 million offer, so they’ll probably lose the case, which would net Skubal a record-breaking $32 million deal. On the flip side, the Tigers know their future is bright because so many of their top prospects, like shortstop Kevin McGonigle, outfielder Max Clark and first baseman Josue Briceño, are getting close to the majors and all profile as future All-Star talents. "
Hard to disagree with this grade based on lack of adding another starting pitcher and a potential right-handed bat but it appears Detroit is going to use their prospects capital to fill the blanks. Pitching wise with about 10 days away from spring training, should be the biggest focus so hopefully there is time for the Tigers to change their grade for the better.
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