ESPN insider gives Tigers fans hope about Tarik Skubal future with latest report

So more than zero?

Jordan Campbell

Apr 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal reacts against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Tarilk Skubal was well on his way toward resetting the market for starting pitchers once he hit free agency this winter. A back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner and once again looking dominant this season, the $400 million payday seemed inevitable. That's now up for debate after Skubal's elbow surgery to remove a loose body.

With each new report that details the procedure Skubal had, it does sound like he should be back on the mound for the Tigers within the next two months. Still, the injury revived the previous durability concerns that surrounded the 29-year-old earlier in his career. And, if we're being honest, even for Skubal, teams will likely look for a reason why they won't have to go to the $400 million threshold to secure his services after this season.

Along those lines, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel offers the tiniest glimmer of hope for Tigers fans. Through a source, McDaniel suggests that in the aftermath of the surgery the odds have increased that Skubal would be willing to take a short-term deal with the Tigers that includes early opt-outs.

Three years, $150M

2027 — $50M — player option
2028 — $50M — player option
2029 — $50M — player option

Who says no to this deal for Tarik Skubal to stay with the Tigers? pic.twitter.com/r4cuFDZgDe
— Ben Bosscher (@BosscherBen) May 11, 2026

So you're saying there's a chance...

Some caution is probably needed regarding this report from McDaniel. Before the injury, there was virtually no chance that Skubal was going to sign a short-term deal with the Tigers. It wouldn't have made sense, especially considering how Scott Boras has already been a driving force in just about every decision surrounding Skubal this season.

Now, at the very least, the door is cracked open. No, it's not fully open to the extent that taking a short-term deal is a logical move for Skubal. But now, it's a plausible possibility. Even if it doesn't seem like it, it's good news for the Tigers as it does leave open the faint chance that Skubal's market isn't as financially prosperous as it was once considered.

In reality, it's all going to come down to the unknown, which is how Skubal looks when he makes his return. If he hasn't missed a beat and is just as dominant as he was before the injury, chances are that long-term pay day is still headed his way. If there's a hitch in his recovery or his production wavers the slightest, then the odds of a return to Detroit will significantly grow.

For now, Skubal's future remains a guessing game that will force Tigers fans to cling onto hope wherever they can find it.

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.