Tigers fans don't know what to make of latest free agency report linking Tarik Skubal

The Detroit Tigers' inability to come to some sort of middle ground with Tarik Skubal ahead of the arbitration hearing on February 4 could have historic implications. Not only is Skubal seeking the highest arbitration award ever, but the showdown brings about questions on how the process should work moving forward.

Things seem to be getting petty. The Tigers had gone as high as $19.8 million, clearing David Price's $19.75 record for a starting pitcher as well as breaking Jacob DeGrom's record for the largest arbitration raise, which is $9.6 million. Now, the club has reverted to its original offer of $19 million. Scott Boras had previously been willing to negotiate further with Detroit regarding Skubal's salary, but one has to imagine that the ship has sailed on that offer.

For what it's worth, Price's award came 11 years ago and, with inflation, would be around $27 million in today's money. That certainly has contributed to the tension.

Now this could give Boras further leverage with the potential cost holding the Tigers up from other pursuits in free agency, including the rumored connection to ace lefty Framber Valdez.

Tigers' rumored pursuit of Framber Valdez could theoretically derail Tarik Skubal arbitration talks

The news that Valdez could be an option for Detroit has to be great for fans, who've been waiting for the club to do something, anything, of consequence besides adding closer Kenley Jansen. Other than some moves around the margins, Scott Harris has been mostly content to run it back, despite the obvious issues that came to light during the 2025 campaign.

Valdez would also represent a serious upgrade over other rumored Tigers' targets, Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt. Even so, it has looked like the Skubal situation could hold up even these much more mundane pursuits, and there's a chance that the club is willing to head into spring training and wait for a bargain rotation addition.

All of this has fans confused. There's an understanding that there's a limit to how much Detroit can spend, especially when it comes to long-term deals and the prospect (if the bridge hasn't already been burned) of retaining the best lefty in baseball beyond this season.

However, on the flip side, the team lacks a true No. 2 and could face serious issues starting next offseason when Casey Mize and Jack Flaherty join Skubal in free agency.

Valdez would form possibly the best one-two punch in the league with Skubal, and could send a message to the most-talked-about impending free agent that the club is serious about building a winner around him now and in the future.

However, dragging their feet and letting a difference of $13 million – not insignificant money but also not earth-shattering – keep them from pursuing such an obvious upgrade not only sends the message that the Tigers aren't planning to push their chips in for 2026, but also that they're not committed to winning beyond this season either.

For Tigers fans, that could be a bitter pill to swallow. The club is on the precipice of building something formidable, but it seems hesitant to take the next step. That could ultimately end in disaster.