BREAKING NEWS: The team cannot afford to let the potential signing of a prominent free agent distract them from their primary offseason goals.
The offseason for the Detroit Tigers has begun in an unusual manner. Following comments from Scott Harris during the end-of-season press conference, fans expected the team to invest in acquiring new talent.
The prospect of bringing in a star player seemed like a natural fit, especially with the potential reunion of a key clubhouse leader and his former manager, A.J. Hinch. However, this interest appears to be more of a mirage than a tangible possibility, despite predictions suggesting a lucrative seven-year, $176 million contract with the team.
Based on discussions at the recent GM meetings in San Antonio, it appears that while the team is open to exploring various options, pursuing a prominent free agent does not seem to be a priority.
One clear takeaway from the meetings is that the urgency to secure a contract extension for left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal is increasing.
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Prioritizing Tarik Skubal
Skubal, represented by agent Scott Boras, will likely see negotiations characterized by Boras’s typical strategy of emphasizing that Skubal deserves a contract extension reflective of market value. Boras is known for maximizing his clients’ earnings, even if it leads to players signing contracts just before the season starts.
With one of the lowest payrolls in the league at $80 million, the Tigers have stated their intention to focus on pitching improvements this offseason. Extending Skubal, a potential 2024 Cy Young Award contender, should be a logical starting point.
The Tigers are in the early stages of their competitive window, having seen 11 players make their major league debuts last season. Skubal’s performance is expected to continue improving based on current projections. While acquiring a powerful right-handed bat is also essential, the unusual start to the offseason—marked by rumors of limited spending—doesn’t inspire confidence among Tigers fans.
Harris may seek opportunities through waiver claims or trades given Detroit’s prospect depth, but securing an extension for Skubal should remain a top priority.
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