The Detroit Tigers have commenced extension negotiations with ace left-hander Tarik Skubal but face a significant gap in contract discussions, according to front office executives around baseball. The reigning American League Cy Young Award favorite is entering his walk season in 2026, and Detroit officials were reportedly surprised to find themselves approximately $250 million apart in recent talks.
Skubal and Paul Skenes are widely considered the two best pitchers in baseball. Industry executives believe any long-term deal for either ace must exceed Gerrit Cole’s nine-year, $324 million contract with the New York Yankees, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 11-year, $324 million agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The market-resetting contracts of Juan Soto ($765 million) and Shohei Ohtani ($700 million) have established new benchmarks for elite talent. Skubal is expected to become the highest-paid starting pitcher in history, with a realistic asking price exceeding $400 million.
The Tigers are unlikely to meet Skubal’s financial demands despite their improved competitive position. Front office sources indicate Detroit will likely shop the left-hander at the Winter Meetings rather than risk losing him for minimal draft compensation next offseason.
Multiple big-market clubs with deep farm systems are expected to pursue Skubal. The New York Mets, Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Yankees and San Francisco Giants have been identified as potential suitors.
The Milwaukee Brewers are expected to trade right-hander Freddy Peralta after exercising his $8 million team option, mirroring their 2023 decision with Corbin Burnes. Peralta is projected to finish top-three in National League Cy Young voting after holding opponents to a .209 average against his four-seamer.
The 29-year-old ace has drawn interest from the Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Mets, Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, Giants, San Diego Padres and Tigers.
The Cincinnati Reds reportedly plan to shop right-hander Hunter Greene despite his team control through 2029. The 25-year-old signed a six-year, $53 million extension in 2023 but has never exceeded 27 starts or 160 innings in a season due to durability concerns.
Top 10 Trade Candidates:
1. Tarik Skubal, LHP, Tigers
2. Freddy Peralta, RHP, Brewers
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, Reds
4. Jarren Duran, LF, Red Sox
5. MacKenzie Gore, LHP, Nationals
6. Sandy Alcantara, RHP, Marlins
7. Sonny Gray, RHP, Cardinals
8. Brandon Lowe, 2B, Rays
9. Alec Bohm, 3B, Phillies
10. Jo Adell, OF, Angels