The MLB offseason has already brought intrigue to the Detroit Tigers, whose early free agency strategy has sparked debate about their long-term plans for ace pitcher Tarik Skubal. The back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner enters his final arbitration year, making his future a major storyline in the 2025 MLB offseason.
Meanwhile, the Tigers’ reported strategy — targeting pitching depth early in free agency — has fueled speculation across the MLB landscape. Some insiders see it as preparation for life after their ace left-hander, while others view it as an all-in push built around him. As a result, the uncertainty highlights the challenge facing a mid-market contender working under strict payroll limits.
In an article written by ESPN’s Jeff Passan and published on the network’s official website, he examined the league’s mixed reactions to the Tigers’ strategy, offering insight into how the team’s early offseason moves connect to Skubal’s future.
“There's also the reading of the tea leaves for this winter. Some sources mentioned Detroit is targeting pitching depth early in free agency. Is that to backfill for a potential Skubal trade? A deal now or at the deadline? Or just to create depth for a title run like all contending teams need? Or to create leverage/depth so they have maximum optionality for all of 2026? You can see what you want to see when it comes to the Rorschach test that is the team-building conundrum of the winter.”
Ultimately, that uncertainty captures the dilemma facing the Tigers. The star left-hander’s camp, led by super agent Scott Boras, is expected to seek a contract nearing $400 million — a number that could redefine the team’s payroll structure. Therefore, Detroit’s choice to either commit or capitalize will shape not only its 2026 outlook but also the franchise’s direction for years to come.
For now, the Tigers’ early offseason moves have turned into a mirror for the rest of MLB, serving as a test of how much ambition the club is truly willing to show as one of the game’s best pitchers approaches free agency.
