Matt SullivanWed, November 26, 2025 at 4:38 PM UTC·2 min readMLB execs' Tarik Skubal prediction is damning news for potential Tigers extension originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Detroit Tigers are one of many teams that are drawing a lot of interest during the offseason, and for a clear reason. Clubs around MLB are keeping a close eye on the Tigers, as their decision with Tarik Skubal is one of the hottest topics this winter.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA trade could be on the table if they're blown away by an offer, but they could also decide to hold onto him for the 2026 season and figure out what to do after next season.
But an extension before he becomes a free agent received a damning prediction from MLB executives in a recent piece from Jesse Rogers of ESPN. While Detroit would like to extend Skubal, it's far from a realistic option for the Tigers.
MLB execs predict Tigers' Tarik Skubal won't sign an extension with Detroit
When asked about what the Tigers will do with Skubal, Rogers shared that MLB executives predicted the following results: "let it play out 10, trade him 3, sign/extend him 0."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNone of the 13 polled MLB executives believes the Tigers can work out an extension with Skubal. Most believe Skubal will play out his current contract in 2026 and hit free agency in a year to have one of the more robust markets in recent MLB history.
Despite Detroit likely preferring to keep Skubal, their chances of signing an extension before he hits free agency and tests the open market are, in the eyes of MLB execs, slim to none.
More: How Tigers' GM Scott Harris might've revealed his concerning Tarik Skubal plan
"I doubt they can afford to extend him," one MLB exec explained. "But they also know they can't win the division without him. I think they roll with him in '26 unless they get blown away with a trade concept."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Tigers are likely to keep Skubal in Detroit, as the trade offers for one season of Skubal might not reach what they'd be willing to give up Skubal for.
He's coming off his second straight Cy Young Award, and he's been one of, if not the best, pitchers in baseball the last two seasons.
Extending Skubal is the clear best choice for the Tigers, but no MLB executive predicted that such an outcome could happen. Even though Detroit could bring Skubal back next offseason, for now, no contract is expected to happen.
More Tigers News:
Tigers owner Chris Ilitch comments on a Tarik Skubal extension after Wild Card win
Tigers GM reveals why Detroit passed on players like Eugenio Suarez at the trade deadline
Tigers GM teases exciting prospect call-ups for 2026 season
Tigers could turn to Braves' star as potential Gleyber Torres replacement
Riley Greene subtly called out by Tigers' GM amid urge for more contact
