The offseason hasn’t even started yet, but one of the biggest commodities is Tarik Skubal. Skubal is one of the best arms in the game, and the Detroit Tigers seem unconcerned that he is on track to become one of the highest-paid starters in baseball. In fact, they might not make a serious effort at all.

“Two things I believe to be true. 1. Scott Boras and Tarik Skubal want to hit free agency a year from now. No extension this offseason. 2. The Tigers are not going all in to win with Skubal in 2026,” 97.1 The Ticket’s Jim Costa posted.

Right now, the Tigers are putting in very minimal effort, which could cause them to see even more division with Skubal. The money gap on a new contract is staggering.

“The Tigers and superstar pitcher Tarik Skubal have a lot of work to do if they’re going to bridge quite possibly the biggest gap in MLB negotiating history: an estimated quarter of a billion dollars. Yep, that’s not a misprint. It’s close to $250 million,” New York Post’s Jon Heyman wrote.

If Skubal and the Tigers can’t reach an agreement, it could lead to a potential trade. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden has identified the New York Yankees as a possible landing spot.

“Skubal will reset the market for pitchers and become the highest-paid starting pitcher in history, with a realistic starting price north of $400 million. Therefore, even though the Tigers are in position to compete for the postseason next year, it’s likely they shop Skubal at the Winter Meetings and try to make the best trade they can,” Bowden wrote.

If Skubal goes to the Yankees, it would undoubtedly make them the favorites in the AL. Their starting rotation would become an absolute powerhouse, featuring two of the best southpaws in the game.

This is the move the Yankees need to make. There is speculation about them going all out for a World Series roster, and this fits the bill perfectly.

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