Tigers face challenges extending ace pitcher Tarik Skubal

The Detroit Tigers may face a tough decision about whether to extend pitcher Tarik Skubal. Coming off an impressive season, Skubal is entering the final phase before free agency, making any potential deal complicated. After recovering from surgery, Skubal returned to the game strong. Since July 2023, he has achieved a record of 25 wins and 7 losses, with a 2.51 ERA over 46 starts. He has also struck out 330 batters while walking only 49. His performance in 2024 established him as one of baseball's top pitchers. Skubal, 28, is set to reach free agency after the 2026 season, leaving the Tigers with two years of control. This means there is no immediate urgency to negotiate a deal. However, fans often discuss his future with the team. Typically, players become free agents after six years of service, during which they earn less than their market value. Teams often try to extend players to maintain control, while players prefer to reach free agency sooner for better pay. The Tigers could offer a lucrative deal to Skubal that would extend his contract and delay his free agency by a couple of years. Comparisons with other players suggest Skubal could command a substantial amount. Last year, pitcher Logan Webb received a five-year, $90 million extension, which might serve as a guideline. However, Skubal’s performance places him in a different category. Jacob deGrom, who signed a huge deal in 2019, is a similar case. Any offer to Skubal would likely need to exceed these previous contracts significantly. A potential deal might be in the range of $235 million, covering several years. However, it's uncertain if Skubal would accept such terms, especially with a lucrative free agency approaching. Tigers' leadership, particularly president Scott Harris, is cautious about extending offers without consideration. Harris emphasized the importance of keeping negotiations private, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The Tigers will need to weigh their options carefully, considering whether it's better to secure Skubal now or wait for his free agency.