The Detroit Tigers find themselves in a tricky situation with Tarik Skubal, who’s set to enter the final year of his contract in 2026. His future with the team is very uncertain, and right now, a return to Detroit doesn’t appear to be the most likely outcome.
“Two things I believe are true: 1) Scott Boras and Tarik Skubal plan to test free agency next year—no extension is coming this offseason. 2) The Tigers aren’t going all in to contend with Skubal in 2026,” 97.1 The Ticket’s Jim Costa reported.
Although Skubal and the Tigers have discussed a possible extension, the two sides remain miles apart — reportedly separated by a staggering $250 million in negotiations.
“The Tigers and ace Tarik Skubal have a huge task ahead if they hope to close what might be the biggest gap in MLB contract talks ever — around a quarter of a billion dollars,” wrote Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
One team that could make a serious push for Skubal is the Atlanta Braves, who might see him as the missing piece to complete an elite rotation.
“While the specifics matter, the idea of Atlanta targeting Skubal makes perfect sense. The Braves need another frontline starter to compete at a championship level in 2026. Skubal, the heavy favorite to win his second consecutive Cy Young Award, would fit that need perfectly — every team in baseball would want a pitcher like him,” HTHB’s Eric Cole explained.
A rotation that includes Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, and Skubal would be a powerhouse. With that group, the Braves could have the dominant pitching staff needed to make a strong run at another World Series title.
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