The Detroit Tigers have secured a one-year, $10.15 million agreement with their star pitcher Tarik Skubal for the 2025 season, avoiding arbitration. This deal marks a significant raise from his 2024 salary of $2.65 million, a reflection of his remarkable performance last season. Skubal, 28, claimed the American League Cy Young Award while achieving the pitching Triple Crown. He ended the 2024 season with an 18-4 win-loss record, a 2.39 ERA, and 228 strikeouts in 31 starts, establishing himself as one of baseball’s top pitchers.
Skubal remains under team control through the 2026 season, meaning he will have another year of arbitration eligibility before becoming a free agent in 2027. By locking in this deal, the Tigers retain a key figure in their rotation for the foreseeable future.
Alongside Skubal, the Tigers have also finalized contracts with several other arbitration-eligible players, securing their roster ahead of the 2025 season. Casey Mize, another notable pitcher, has agreed to a $2.34 million deal. Catcher Jake Rogers will earn $2.64 million, and outfielder Matt Vierling has settled for $3.005 million. Reliever Will Vest is set to make $1.4 million, while fellow reliever Jason Foley agreed to a $3.15 million deal.
These agreements highlight the Tigers’ strategy to maintain continuity among their key players. Earlier in the offseason, they reached deals with utility players Andy Ibáñez ($1.4 million) and Zach McKinstry ($1.65 million), further solidifying their roster.
Despite these successes, right-handed pitcher Beau Brieske remains the only arbitration-eligible player without an agreement. The Tigers will likely aim to resolve this matter soon to avoid a potential arbitration hearing.
The significant raise for Skubal underscores his critical role within the organization. His Cy Young-winning season not only showcased his dominance on the mound but also symbolized a turning point for a Tigers team striving to return to playoff contention. Skubal’s ability to consistently deliver elite performances has made him the cornerstone of Detroit’s rotation and a player to watch in the upcoming season.
With Skubal and other key contributors locked in, the Tigers are setting their sights on building momentum for the 2025 season. The organization’s efforts to retain talent indicate a clear commitment to competing in the American League Central and potentially making a postseason run.
In summary, the Tigers have successfully negotiated contracts with most of their arbitration-eligible players, including standout pitcher Tarik Skubal. By doing so, they have ensured stability in their roster while retaining a core group of players crucial to their success. The focus now shifts to finalizing any remaining deals and preparing for the upcoming season with an eye toward contention.
