Getting ready for his sole World Baseball Classic start this Saturday, Tarik Skubal discussed his long-term situation in Detroit. He revealed to USA Today Sports that no extended contract proposal had been presented to him by the Tigers during the recent offseason, and that discussions regarding the arbitration difference, which concluded with the leading pitcher securing an unparalleled agreement, did not occur.
“No proposal exists,” Skubal informed USA Today Sports, “nor will one materialize until the season concludes. My primary objective is playing baseball and achieving victory this year. I’ll address the contractual matters once the year concludes, and then we’ll assess the situation. That’s perfectly acceptable. The choice is theirs.”
A $13 million discrepancy existed between the two-time Cy Young Award recipient and the Tigers regarding their arbitration proposals; the southpaw requested $32 million, while Detroit put forth $19 million. Skubal prevailed at his arbitration proceeding in early February, surpassing the highest recorded salary within the arbitration framework by $1 million and demolishing the prior peak of $19.9 million for a panel’s decision.
Anticipating free agency in the forthcoming offseason, Skubal is projected to pursue an agreement worth no less than $400 million, a sum that would establish a new benchmark for pitchers.
However, Skubal conveyed his intention to put the arbitration hearing behind him, as well as any discussions about a new deal, concentrating instead on achieving victory for Detroit this year.
“My primary objective is securing a World Series title for the city of Detroit, the franchise that selected me in 2018,” Skubal stated. “The Tigers’ supporters are enthusiastic; they’re deeply committed to this organization, and we share that dedication.
“… One can perceive that a World Series championship is within reach, thanks to the recent acquisitions. To be part of a team with perennial World Series ambitions is everything one could desire. Thus, this year promises to be immensely enjoyable.”
For the previous two campaigns, the Tigers qualified for the postseason, being eliminated in five games during the divisional series annually. Skubal has, furthermore, claimed consecutive American League Cy Young accolades, establishing himself as one of baseball’s preeminent hurlers.
This Saturday, Skubal is scheduled for his solitary WBC start as the U.S. squad competes against Great Britain. Following this, he intends to depart the team and report back to the Tigers’ training facility; however, he suggested he would consider attending the championship game in Miami should the American team advance to that stage.
“I must return to camp and resume my regular regimen, yet I desire to travel to Miami and simply be present at those contests,” he informed USA Today Sports. “… I may simply attend and offer vocal support.”