Skubal Uncertain Amid $250M Extension Gap

Tarik Skubal has emerged as one of MLB’s top pitchers after back-to-back Cy Young–caliber seasons and strong 2025 regular‑season and postseason outings. He enters the final year of his contract amid a reported negotiating gap of roughly $250 million — with reports of a ~ $400 million asking price versus Detroit’s internal ceiling near $150 million — and agent Scott Boras is involved. Tension surfaced after manager A.J. Hinch pulled Skubal before 100 pitches in a decisive postseason game. That financial split makes a long-term extension unlikely and leaves Detroit three clear offseason options: aggressively extend him, trade him now to maximize return, or ride it out and revisit a deadline move or qualifying-offer compensation next year. Trade chatter lists the Mets and Yankees as prominent suitors, with concepts ranging from three‑for‑one packages (for example, Luis Gil, Will Warren and Spencer Jones) to multi‑prospect deals centered on top farm assets like Jett Williams or Carson Benge plus Brandon Sproat or Jonah Tong. Analysts warn Detroit would demand a heavy haul and some commentators urge the club either to add a true No. 2 starter (Michael King has been floated) or cash in while Skubal’s value peaks.