New MLB Rumors on Tarik Skubal's Contract, Tigers Future in Free Agency After Injury, Trade Buzz

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal should still have a robust market in free agency despite recently undergoing elbow surgery.

Seven MLB executives, scouts and agents gave contract estimates for Skubal to ESPN's Kiley McDaniel that averaged out to $357 million over 7.7 years.

That would set a new record for overall contract value of a full-time starting pitcher, which is currently held by Los Angeles Dodgers star Yoshinobu Yamamoto and his $325 million deal (via Spotrac).

Skubal was involved in trade rumors after he wasn't able to agree to a long-term extension with the Tigers, as he'll become a free agent at the end of the 2026 season.

He went on to start seven games for Detroit this year before undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow.

The typical recovery timeline of the surgery is two or three months, but ESPN's Buster Olney reported there's "optimism in the Tigers clubhouse" that Skubal could return early in June.

The two-time American League Cy Young Award winner didn't show many signs of slowing down prior to the surgery.

Skubal owns a 3-2 record to go along with a 2.70 ERA and 0.946 WHIP this season. He's also averaging 9.3 strikeouts compared to 1.2 walks per nine innings.