Chris Ilitch dodging Tarik Skubal question shows he is missing bigger Tigers point

Over the past two seasons, Tarik Skubal has been nothing short of exceptional for the Detroit Tigers. Unfortunately, signs are pointing toward those being two of his final seasons with the club.

Skubal, who avoided arbitration with a one-year, $10.5 million contract for 2025, is entering his final season of arbitration eligibility in 2026. Unless he signs a contract extension with the Tigers, he is set to become a free agent after next year.

The reigning American League Cy Young Award and Triple Crown winner is clearly in position to demand a record-setting deal for a pitcher in free agency, and the lack of any real progress on extension talks with the Tigers suggests that he may have already priced himself out of their budget.

Tigers owner Chris Ilitch has publicly taken a cautious stance on the topic of extending Skubal. When asked last week whether the team would prioritize an extension for the team' star player, he deflected, saying the focus now is on winning a World Series.

In Ilitch's defense, any owner would deflect questions about the upcoming offseason while his team is still actively in a playoff race. But reports suggest the team is not close to a deal yet and that extension talks have not heated up even though Skubal is arguably at peak value.

The front office’s lack of urgency is being noticed, and many view it as a signal that the Tigers may be content letting Skubal test free agency when the time comes. Tigers management might fear overpaying, as the southpaw is expected to demand elite money due to his recent dominance. Signing him long-term is risky if he suffers injury or declines, but waiting too long risks losing him to free agency or further weakening negotiation leverage – that is, if they even plan to sign him at all.

Chris Ilitch’s World Series talk rings hollow without a Tarik Skubal extension

In today's MLB, a rotation with a true ace changes everything. Skubal gives Detroit a pitcher who can dominate on any given night, carry a playoff rotation and shift series momentum. If he departs, Detroit would lose their top anchor – something many contending teams can’t afford to rebuild around year to year.

Extending your ace sends a message: “We believe in winning now.” That can help the Tigers in recruiting free agents, retaining complementary pieces and giving confidence to your own younger players. It forms a foundation you can build around (and avoid retooling your rotation every few years).

In October, matchups and pitching depth often decide series. Having a frontline starter who can give you 6–7 dominant innings is essential. Without Skubal, Detroit is vulnerable in elimination games or tight postseason matchups.

Again, Ilitch isn't necessarily wrong for dodging the Skubal extension questions during a playoff run; but if a World Series is what he really wants, Skubal represents the Tigers' best chance of getting there now and in the future.