New York Yankees fans should definitely make note of this update on Tarik Skubal.
The New York Yankees contacted the Detroit Tigers about Tarik Skubal over the winter, but the Tigers were asking for the moon in exchange for the star pitcher.
That's understandable considering that Skubal just won back-to-back AL Cy Young awards and is viewed by many as the best arm in all of baseball. Or at least right there with Paul Skenes.
But what if the Tigers end up losing him for absolutely nothing next offseason? And what if it's to the Yankees?
Skubal provided an update on his contract situation this weekend, and with the left-hander slated to hit free agency after 2026, every quote he provides on his status is worthy of note.
"There is no offer, and there won't be an offer until the end of the season. ... My focus is on playing baseball and winning this year," Skubal told Bob Nightengale of USA Today. "I'll deal with the contract stuff at the end of the year, and then we'll kind of see. And that's fine. It's their decision."
The general consensus is that Skubal will ultimately bolt Detroit next winter, as the two sides seem to be very far apart.
Skubal is apparently seeking a contract worth at least $400 million, and the Tigers simply don't have the financial wherewithal to do that. At least not right now.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.The Yankees are viewed as one of the top potential landing spots for Skubal in the event that he departs the Motor City, as adding Skubal would give them one of the best starting rotations in recent memory.
Of course, New York has been closely monitoring its payroll in recent years, and signing Skubal would cause it to balloon that much more.
But if it means the Yanks will be able to win a World Series (or more) with Skubal headlining the rotation, it would be worth it.
The 29-year-old logged a 2.21 ERA while allowing 141 hits and racking up 241 strikeouts over 195.1 innings of work in 2025. The season prior, Skubal pitched to the tune of a 2.39 ERA, surrendering 141 hits while registering 228 strikeouts across 192 frames.
A bit of a late bloomer, Skubal was originally selected by the Tigers in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB Draft and quickly ascended the ranks in Detroit's farm system.
He made his big-league debut in 2020 and tossed a couple of uneven campaigns before undergoing elbow surgery to repair the flexor tendon in 2022.
Skubal was impressive in his return in 2023, but only made 15 starts. His true breakout showing did not come until 2024.
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