Tarik Skubal Free Agency: MLB insider eyes a potential $400 million contract for Tigers pitcher

One of baseball's premier arms, Tarik Skubal, saw a jump of nearly 300% in his salary by the Detroit Tigers following his breakout season in 2024. The reigning Cy Young winner is earning a little over $10 million in salary this season, but he could be earning a lot more after he becomes a free agent after the 2026 season.

According to MLB insider Buster Olney, Skubal, also an executive in the MLBPA, could earn a potential $400 million deal in free agency. Not every team can shed this much salary for a single player and that's why Olney feels it will be down to the New York Yankees, LA Dodgers and the New York Mets.

"Skubal is set to land $400 million after next season. The question is whether it'll come from Yankees, Dodgers or Mets," Olney said.

Such a humongous deal would break the record pitching contract in the majors. For southpaws, Max Fried holds the biggest contract, an eight-year, $218 million deal with the Yankees. Not counting Shohei Ohtani, Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler holds the richest salary among starting pitchers, earning roughly $42 million per season.  

As far as Tigers are concerned, they have indirectly expressed their hesitation to commit to Skubal just yet. They have a chance to lock the pitcher before next season's completion, but given the pedigree of Skubal's agent, Scott Boras, there will be no easy negotiations.

At the moment, the organization is fully focused on getting the best results in the current season, where they have looked like the team to beat in the American League. A good run in the postseason led by Skubal may change their thinking regarding the extension, but right now, there is no one on the negotiation table.