Two-Time Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal has won his arbitration case against the Detroit Tigers, sources confirmed to LWOS. Jeff Passan of ESPN was the first to report the deal.

Two-Time Cy Young Winner Becomes Arbitration Record Holder

BREAKING: Two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal won his arbitration case and will make $32 million this year, sources tell ESPN. Skubal’s bet to go for the largest salary ever in the arbitration system paid off, as he’ll make $13M more than Tigers argued.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 5, 2026

About the Arbitration Hearing

A month ago, Skubal filed his number at $32 million for the 2026 season. The Tigers filed at $19 million. The Tigers, they felt that they made a competitive offer to Skubal. They used the David Price arbitration contract, also $19M, as a guide. The only issue is that it was 11 years ago and the amount of money players earn has changed.

Wednesday, the two sides met in Arizona to present their cases against an arbiter. That arbiter had to decide if Skubal was worth the midpoint, $25M, or not. They decided that he is worth the midpoint, making him the highest-paid player in arbitration in MLB history with $32M.

What this means for the Future

The effects of this case will be felt for years to come. It’s a landmark case. It’s a huge win for the players — and it’s deserved. Skubal is far and away the best pitcher in the American League and deserves to be paid as such.

This is also a landmark case for the small market teams. As prices continue to go up, it makes it less likely that these small market teams will keep their stars around longer. The Tigers do plan to keep Skubal, according to The Athletic. They will try to win it all while Skubal is still in Mo Town.

As of now, Paul Skeens is smiling, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are shaking in their boots to see what he will earn in the coming years.

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