Tarik Skubal's Free-Agent Contract Outlook Discussed by MLB Execs After Surgery on Elbow Injury

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal's elbow surgery could have an impact on his upcoming free agency next offseason.

While the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner likely would've been in line for a record-breaking contract, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand spoke to multiple executives who agreed that Skubal's recovery will dictate his next contract.

"It depends on if he comes back and pitches," a National League executive said. "And pitches effectively."

"It's all going to depend on the medical," an AL executive said. "Not much if it's just a loose-body cleanup."

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported on Monday that Skubal will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow. The typical recovery timeline for that type of procedure is two to three months, so the 29-year-old could have the chance to return before the end of the season.

Feinsand noted that "until the procedure actually takes place and the extent of the damage is determined, it's difficult to predict when Skubal will be back on a mound." Another AL executive told him that loose bodies "can sometimes be a sign of ligament damage in the elbow, later leading to Tommy John surgery."

Skubal is obviously hoping to avoid a worst-case scenario, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he's cautious with his recovery. He started this season with a 3-2 record, a 2.70 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 43.1 innings pitched, once again establishing himself as one of the best starting pitchers in the game.

Feinsand noted, "As long as Skubal returns without incident, this latest injury shouldn't be a huge factor in his free agency as long as he can come back and show he's healthy before the end of the season." However, it remains to be seen if he'll make it back on the mound in time to prove his worth ahead of free agency.