Tigers' Tarik Skubal breaks silence on looming free agency

The Detroit Tigers have one of the best starting pitchers in baseball, as Tarik Skubal has become an ace among aces. He won the 2024 Cy Young award and has taken the crown as the game's top pitcher.

With all of this success, however, comes a major contract extension on the horizon. An article from Chris McCosky of The Detroit Free Press came out where Skubal spoke on his looming contract and free agency decision.

"Listen, winning is where my focus is at," Skubal said. "There's been some comments made that are interesting. Not from me. But I'm going to be focused about winning and doing what I can."

The Tigers' ace is in the middle of an incredible season, but still has his upcoming free agency on his mind. While the trade rumors surrounding Skubal are dead, as the Tigers are competitive, the extension talks are still up in the air.

There hasn't been any concrete update on negotiations, but the Tigers and Skubal are still at an impasse due to Skubal still being unsigned. While an in-season extension doesn't seem likely, the 2025-2026 offseason will be a huge time for the Tigers and Skubal to work out a deal.

Based on his production in 2024 and now 2025, he's looking to make a huge payday. In 2025, through his first 15 starts, Skubal has a 2.06 ERA, an 8-2 record, and an AL-leading 3.6 WAR as a pitcher. He has a complete game shutout, has struck out 117 batters, and walked just 12 in 96 innings pitched.

Skubal is coming off a 2024 season where he won the triple-crown, leading the AL in strikeouts with 228, ERA with 2.39, and wins with 18. He was an All-Star and easily won the AL Cy Young award.

Few pitchers can compare to Skubal, which will make his looming free agency all the more massive. He's set to make well over $300 million and could become the first pitcher to eclipse $400 million.

While his comments push off those talks into the future, it's something to monitor as he continues to dominate, as his price tag would only continue to increase. He's looking to win now, as are the Tigers in the middle of an MLB-leading season almost halfway through the year.