Tight-lipped Tigers GM gives fans nothing with Tarik Skubal extension 'update'

The Detroit Tigers are no longer sneaking up on anyone. Led by reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, the Tigers are spending much of the 2025 season near the top of the MLB power rankings. At times, they've even held the best record in baseball. And with a firm grip on the AL Central, the franchise has come barreling out of a rebuild and looks like a legitimate October threat.

But with their success comes bigger questions — and one is echoing throughout the city of Detroit: What’s the plan for Skubal?

Tigers fans, while understandably riding high on the team’s resurgence, know how quickly these moments can slip away. As a franchise that hasn’t hoisted a World Series trophy since 1984, the importance of building something with sustainability has become a front office mantra. That’s why, even amid all the winning, attention is turning toward the future of the team’s ace.

Can the Tigers sign Tarik Skubal to a long-term contract?

Currently, there are more questions than answers. In a recent appearance on MLB Network Radio, Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg was asked directly about the team's efforts to keep Skubal in Detroit long-term. His response? Vague, careful, and classic of a GM:

“One of the foundational goals here is to acquire, develop, retain as much elite talent as we can. We’re going to keep those conversations behind closed doors.”

A nothing-burger? Perhaps. But it’s also exactly the kind of response that can send a fanbase spiraling — especially when the player in question is represented by Scott Boras.

The Boras factor can’t be ignored. History tells us that Boras clients usually test the open market, chasing maximum value. That alone has led to speculation that Skubal’s days in Detroit might be numbered, no matter how dominant he’s been or how committed the Tigers appear.

But it’s not quite that simple. In recent years, a handful of high-profile players have made the rare move of parting ways with Boras, prioritizing fit, comfort, and legacy over every last dollar. Could Skubal be the next to pull the plug, especially if Detroit keeps proving they’re serious about winning?

It’s not out of the question. This year’s team isn’t just good — they’re built on a foundation of young talent, aggressive pitching, and a front office that’s pressing all the right buttons. With the trade deadline looming in less than two months, the Tigers have a prime opportunity to further fortify the roster and signal, not just to fans but to Skubal himself, that this season isn’t a fluke.

Skubal is under team control through the 2026 season, currently in his second year of arbitration with one more to go before hitting free agency. That gives the Tigers a narrow window to lock in their ace before he reaches the open market. If Detroit is serious about keeping Skubal in the Motor City long-term, they’ll need to show that their commitment matches their ambitions.