Tarik Skubal seems unbothered by Tigers' arbitration after Framber Valdez Instagram post

Suddenly, Tarik Skubal's arbitration hearing with the Detroit Tigers isn't the end-all be-all many expected it to be. Hours after the two sides wrapped up arguments, the Tigers made a stunning deal with free-agent starting pitcher Framber Valdez. Valdez is set to earn $115 million over the next three years (he has an opt-out after the second year), and many have been itching to see Skubal's response.

Valdez's AAV with the Tigers comes out to $38.3 million, which is important context for Skubal. In the coming day, we will find out whether Skubal will earn $19 million in 2026, or if the arbitrators side with the reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner, ruling that he be paid $32 million before becoming a free agent next offseason.

Naturally, it would be easy to understand if Skubal was salty about the deal. Instead, the 29-year-old ace took to Instagram to share his excitement over the move. Sharing a graphic of Valdez being "on the move" to the Tigers, Skubal captioned his story by saying dinner is on his new teammate.

Tarik Skubal shrugs off Tigers arbitration drama in welcoming Framber Valdez

All of baseball is looking for context clues when it comes to the outcome of Skubal's arbitration. If Skubal wins, he has the chance to completely reset the arbitration process for an ascending starting pitcher. If he doesn't, well, it speaks to the precedent of arbitration hearings remaining valid, even in 2026.

Many are viewing how quickly the Tigers signed Valdez as a clue that the panel may have ruled in the team's favor. The expectation was that if the Tigers won the case, they would move quickly to add another established starting pitcher to the rotation. They didn't just add another established starting pitcher; they added one of the best available starting pitchers this offseason.

Regardless of the outcome, Skubal's instant reaction to the move is a sign that the hearing didn't take a nasty turn. Given that teams have to point out the reasons why a player shouldn't be paid the amount they are requesting, it can lead to an awkward relationship moving forward. Instead, all feelings appear to be intact.

Of course, even if Skubal was feeling salty, seeing Valdez added as a teammate likely shifted his mood real quick.