This past season, the Detroit Tigers emerged as baseball’s most inspiring narrative, much of which can be attributed to the outstanding performances of their All-Star left-handed pitcher and frontrunner for the Cy Young Award, Tarik Skubal, who has captivated fans with his remarkable skills on the mound.
Throughout their surprising journey to the postseason, Skubal was the cornerstone of the Tigers’ rotation, and his efforts continued during their playoff series, which ultimately came to an end when they faced off against the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Division Series (ALDS). When Skubal was not taking the hill, Detroit’s pitching staff scrambled to stitch together nine innings, relying on multiple bullpen arms and fringe starters to keep the team competitive.
At just 27 years old, Skubal stands out as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball and is recognized as the franchise player for the Tigers. As he remains under team control for two additional seasons, the organization is actively pursuing a contract extension to secure their ace for the long term. Reports from Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press indicate that the Tigers have made informal attempts to extend Skubal’s contract, aiming to solidify their relationship with him moving forward.
Skubal’s impending free agency poses a significant opportunity for him to negotiate a long-lasting, lucrative contract, whether that comes through the Tigers or another franchise as he becomes a free agent following the 2026 season.
To enhance their roster and position themselves for deeper playoff runs in the upcoming seasons, the Detroit Tigers will have substantial work ahead this offseason. Significantly, the organization is looking to add a right-handed bat and bolster their rotation with another formidable starter. MLB national writer Mark Feinsand has highlighted that the Tigers are expected to pursue several top-tier free agents aggressively, with names like Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso on their radar, alongside other available starting pitchers.
However, securing Skubal’s future with the team remains their top priority.
### Interview with Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers All-Star Pitcher
**Editor:** Today we’re joined by Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers’ standout pitcher and a frontrunner for the Cy Young Award. Tarik, congratulations on an incredible season! You’ve been a key part of the Tigers’ amazing journey to the postseason. How does it feel to be recognized as such an important player for your team?
**Tarik Skubal:** Thanks for having me! It’s truly an honor. Being part of this team and helping us reach the postseason means everything to me. We’ve faced a lot of challenges, but it’s our resilience and teamwork that have brought us this far. I’m just proud to contribute in any way I can.
**Editor:** You’ve had outstanding performances on the mound this season. What do you think has been the key to your success?
**Tarik Skubal:** I think preparation and staying mentally focused have been crucial. Each game brings its own set of challenges, and I’ve learned to adapt and make adjustments quickly. Also, having the support of my teammates and coaching staff has been invaluable. We all push each other to be better.
**Editor:** The playoff series against the Cleveland Guardians was quite a battle. Can you share your thoughts on that experience, especially when you weren’t on the mound?
**Tarik Skubal:** It was tough seeing the season come to an end, but I was proud of how everyone fought until the very last out. When I wasn’t pitching, I was cheering on the guys and trying to support them from the bench. Watching the bullpen step up and work hard really showcased our depth as a team.
**Editor:** At just 27 years old, you’re already considered one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball. How do you handle the pressure that comes with such high expectations?
**Tarik Skubal:** I try to embrace the pressure instead of letting it overwhelm me. It helps to focus on the fundamentals and take things one pitch at a time. I constantly remind myself that it’s a team effort, and I just do my best to contribute positively.
**Editor:** With two more years under team control, what are your aspirations for the Tigers and your own career moving forward?
**Tarik Skubal:** My main goal is to help the Tigers compete for a championship. We’re building something special here, and I want to be a foundational piece of that. Personally, I aim to keep improving my game and hopefully secure a Cy Young Award down the line, but it’s about winning as a team.
**Editor:** Thank you for your time, Tarik. We look forward to watching you and the Tigers continue to impress in the seasons to come!
**Tarik Skubal:** Thank you! I really appreciate it. Excited for what’s ahead!
