The Los Angeles Dodgers were given an encouraging projection regarding the long-term outlook of Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal.
Recent reports indicate that the two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner is seeking a record-setting $32 million through salary arbitration. In response, the Tigers have countered with a $19 million proposal, creating a possible $13 million disparity should the matter proceed to arbitration.
With the possibility that Detroit could be on the hook for a $32 million payout to Skubal for the 2026 MLB season, former Miami Marlins executive David Samson has advised the Tigers to consider trading their star pitcher before the upcoming season begins.
“The Detroit Tigers are facing a very small—but significant—issue,” Samson said in a Jan. 13 video on Nothing Personal with David Samson. “If they lose this arbitration case, one player would be awarded $32 million. That’s a major financial strain for a team with revenue limitations. I don’t believe they can realistically carry a pitcher at that price point. And regardless of who owns the team, Skubal isn’t someone they’ll be able to outbid the market for once he reaches free agency—it’s just not realistic.
“They could bring him back, ride him for 200-plus innings over the season, and then watch him walk in free agency. But that approach comes with a $32 million gamble for an organization that lacks that kind of financial flexibility. That’s why I’ve maintained from the start that trading Skubal is the most sensible move. Other teams will be lining up to acquire an ace of his caliber.”
Samson also argued that Detroit should be actively pursuing trade discussions before the arbitration process begins, noting that delaying could weaken their negotiating position.
“The danger of going to arbitration is that other teams will recognize you’re under pressure to make a deal, and that could prevent you from getting the premium return you’d otherwise expect,” Samson said. “I’d be pushing to finalize a trade before arbitration. It’s not uncommon for players to be traded during arbitration, and the acquiring team then has the choice to proceed with the hearing or settle separately, treating it as a special case.”
Samson’s viewpoint would strongly benefit a club like the Dodgers, who appear to be a leading contender to acquire Skubal. On Jan. 8, CBS Sports MLB analyst Matt Snyder spoke on CBS Sports HQ and suggested that if Detroit decides to move Skubal, Los Angeles would be the most probable landing spot.
“I think the Tigers should take their chance with one more year of Skubal and then part ways afterward,” Snyder said. “I could be completely off base, but if a trade does happen, the Dodgers feel like the most logical destination.
“You can also imagine teams like the Yankees, Mets, or Cubs getting involved. It wouldn’t be limited to just the Dodgers. Still, if Detroit is genuinely considering trading him before the season begins, I believe the Dodgers would be the frontrunner.”
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