Tarik Skubal

Tarik Skubal dominated in 2025, posting ace-level ratios while maintaining elite strikeout and walk rates across a full workload (195 IP). His 2026 projections remain optimistic, forecasting another sub-3 ERA with a strong WHIP and strikeout volume. The sustainability is supported by stable velocity, plus command, and one of the league's best swinging-strike profiles. Skubal enters 2026 as a true fantasy ace and a reliable anchor for managers prioritizing pitching early.

Tarik Skubal likely headed to arbitration hearing

Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers are likely heading to an arbitration hearing, according to multiple reports. The two sides are a whopping $13 million apart.

Fantasy Impact

The back-to-back Cy Young Award winner has put his arbitration number at $32 million, while the Tigers put their figure in at $19 million. If Skubal goes to a hearing and wins, it would be the largest salary for an arbitration-eligible player. Juan Soto currently holds the record at $31 million. It would also be the largest figure ever granted to a pitcher in arbitration as David Price's $19.75 million in 2015 is the current mark. If it goes to a hearing, the arbitrator can only select Skubal's figure or the Tigers' figure. It could be an interesting February for the two sides if they don't reach an agreement before then.