Is there still a remote possibility that Tarik Skubal will open Opening Day 2026 with the Detroit Tigers? Technically yes, but in practice it seems increasingly unlikely. The two-time consecutive American League Cy Young winner is entering the final year of his contract, and the relationship between the pitcher and the organization has been exposed following an unprecedented salary arbitration.
Skubal requested $32 million for the 2026 season, while the Tigers countered with an offer of $19 million, creating a difference of $13 million, the largest in MLB salary arbitration history, according to ESPN. The gap not only sets a record, but also reflects a deep disagreement over the value of baseball’s best current starter.
Skubal, at the top of MLB
At 29 years old, the left-hander has led the league in WAR and ERA in each of the last two seasons. His consistent dominance even allows for the argument that his salary request could have been even higher.
For many analysts, the fact that a franchise is asking for $19 million for the best pitcher in the sport is almost inadmissible, even considering that Detroit is a mid-market team. The economic difference makes it clear that both parties are far from a long-term agreement.
Dodgers on the prowl
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers have had a relatively quiet offseason by their standards. However, under the leadership of Andrew Friedman, the club has historically shown patience to attack the market at the right time.
That time may have come. The Dodgers have been linked with Skubal in trade rumors throughout the offseason, and the current context makes a trade increasingly likely. Free agency still has big names like Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen and Ranger Suarez, but if those arms find a home elsewhere, Skubal becomes the most attractive option available.
A possible super pitching staff
Los Angeles already boasts a deep and stellar rotation, led by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, with Tyler Glasnow as a possible trade piece. The addition of Skubal would automatically make him the ace of a pitching staff designed to dominate October.
With figures such as Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman in the lineup, adding the best starter in baseball would fit perfectly with the Dodgers’ recent philosophy of building a true super team.
Detroit opens the door
Although the Tigers have not officially announced their intention to trade Skubal, president of baseball operations Scott Harris made it clear in December that no player on the roster is “untouchable”. After the historic arbitration, that stance carries even more weight.
Many teams will come knocking, but few have the prospect capital and young MLB talent that the Dodgers possess. If Los Angeles decides to go all out, it is one of the heavy favorites to land Tarik Skubal, the most dominant arm in baseball today.
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