In a move that rocked the baseball world and sent a shockwave through the Detroit Tigers’ clubhouse, star pitcher Tarik Skubal made a stunning announcement late Monday afternoon that left even seasoned manager A.J. Hinch at a rare loss for words.
Standing at the podium in Comerica Park, surrounded by teammates and members of the media, Skubal’s tone was confident—but visibly emotional—as he uttered the words: “It’s done.”
The announcement?
Tarik Skubal is signing a long-term extension with the Detroit Tigers, ensuring he will remain in the Motor City through the 2032 season. The contract, reportedly worth over $180 million, marks one of the largest pitcher deals in franchise history—and a bold vote of confidence in the team’s long-term vision.
“This is where I want to be.”
Skubal, 28, has been the bright light in Detroit’s rotation, boasting a breakout season with a sub-2.50 ERA and dominating AL batters with a fiery mix of velocity and command. With free agency looming in 2026, speculation had swirled around whether the Tigers would risk losing their ace—or trade him for a haul of prospects.
Instead, the Tigers locked him in.
“I love this city, I love this clubhouse, and I believe in where we’re going,” Skubal told reporters. “This isn’t just about money. It’s about building something here that lasts. It’s about winning.”
A.J. Hinch: “I’m speechless.”
Head coach A.J. Hinch, who’s known for his poise under pressure, admitted he was “blown away” by Skubal’s commitment.
“I’ve coached a lot of great players,” Hinch said, pausing to gather himself. “But to see a guy like Tarik—who could have chased the biggest markets—stand here and say, ‘I’m all in’… I’m speechless. This changes everything.”
A Franchise Cornerstone
With Skubal locked up, Detroit’s front office signals it’s ready to shift from rebuilding to competing. The Tigers, who haven’t seen postseason action since 2014, now have a centerpiece to rally around.
Fans immediately took to social media, with #SkubalStays trending across Michigan within minutes of the news breaking. One fan wrote, “This is the moment everything changed. He’s our ace. Our guy.”
What’s Next?
General Manager Scott Harris hinted that more moves could follow, calling the extension “a foundational moment.”
“We believe in this team,” Harris said. “Tarik’s commitment shows what’s possible. And we’re not done.”
As the crowd thinned and Skubal posed with his family for photos on the field, one thing was clear: Detroit has its ace—and a renewed sense of hope.