The Detroit Tigers pulled off a thrilling series victory over the Cleveland Guardians, advancing to the ALDS in dramatic fashion. Despite watching a 15.5-game lead slip away in July and a 10.5-game edge in September, Detroit got the last word by eliminating Cleveland on their home field.
The series went three games, with the Guardians taking Game 2. However, Detroit prevailed in Games 1 and 3—thanks to Tarik Skubal’s dominance in the opener and a late offensive surge in the decisive finale.
After the victory, Tigers owner Chris Ilitch addressed Skubal’s looming free agency in comments reported by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. While not offering major news, Ilitch did shed some light on where extension talks currently stand between the team and its ace.
“We’re in 2025 right now,” Tigers owner Chris Ilitch said. “Our focus is strictly on the playoffs and taking things one game at a time.”
While Tarik Skubal won’t hit free agency until after the 2026 season, his future looms large. The Tigers would love to keep him in Detroit long term, but his next contract is expected to be massive—likely exceeding $300 million and potentially reaching $400 million, which would make him the first pitcher ever to command such a deal.
Given his dominance over the past two years, such a price tag wouldn’t be shocking. Skubal won the 2024 AL Cy Young Award and is the favorite to claim the 2025 honor as well. His postseason form has only strengthened his case, as he delivered 7.2 innings of one-run ball with 14 strikeouts in a Game 1 win over Cleveland.
During the regular season, the 28-year-old left-hander posted a 2.21 ERA, a 6.6 bWAR, and 241 strikeouts in 195.1 innings, all leading the American League. His 187 ERA+ also topped the circuit. By comparison, his 2025 campaign was statistically stronger than his Cy Young-winning 2024 season, when he logged a 2.39 ERA, 6.4 bWAR, and 228 strikeouts. The main difference was his record—18-4 in 2024 compared to 13-6 this year—though win-loss totals rarely reflect a pitcher’s true value.
Skubal has firmly established himself as one of baseball’s elite arms, and it’s clear why the Tigers and their fans want him around for the long haul. But for now, Detroit’s attention is fixed on the postseason. Next up: a first-ever playoff showdown with the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS, with a trip to the ALCS on the line.