Tigers can kiss Tarik Skubal extension goodbye after latest MLBPA announcement

On Wednesday, eight players were elected to the MLB Players Association's executive subcommittee, including NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes as an alternate association player representative and AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal as an alternate pension committee representative.

The Detroit Tiger star's new, elevated role (which he'll hold for two years) will play a huge part in union affairs when terms for the next Collective Bargaining Agreement expire on Dec. 1, 2026.

This has immediate implications for the Tigers' chances of extending Skubal. At the end of the day, the MLBPA is there to help maximize player profit. Skubal is already represented by the infamously bullish yet efficient Scott Boras, and he could be looking at an enormously lucrative deal when he hits free agency at the end of 2026.

It's been reported that the Tigers have already put a number out there and tried to extend Skubal, but it wasn't competitive and was quickly shot down. That was frustrating news to contend with from the beginning, but his new role in MLBPA leadership means that the Tigers will have an even tougher uphill battle to fight if they want to keep him.

Tarik Skubal among eight players to be elected to MLB Players Association's executive subcommittee

Of course, things could happen over the next two seasons that could decrease Skubal's market value as a free agent, but he could end up costing close to $30 million (or more) a year. The last time the Tigers doled out a contract that big, it was to Miguel Cabrera at a $31 million AAV over eight years back in 2014, and circumstances around money have changed a lot for the team since then, to say the least.

Any marginal hope that the Tigers would get a hometown discount for Skubal basically went out the window now that he's taken a leadership role in the union. Although Skenes could absolutely blow everyone out of the water with whatever he makes when he eventually reaches free agency, Skubal is the most high-profile name of the new committee members who's relatively close to free agency, so he'll be looking to set a tone and drive up prices for everyone.

The Tigers have already made it clear that they're still hesitant to spend money. Their inactivity on the free agent market this offseason and their failed play at Skubal are evidence of that. Now, it would be disappointing but not altogether surprising if they end up wiping their hands of him entirely and letting him go without ever making a competitive offer when the time comes, unless they get smart and get out of their comfort zone.