Tarik Skubal is currently making waves as arguably the best pitcher in baseball. Having clinched two consecutive AL Cy Young Awards, he joins an elite group as only the 12th pitcher to achieve this feat back-to-back. In 2024, Skubal dominated the league by winning the pitching Triple Crown, topping the charts in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. His performance in high-pressure situations is remarkable; during Game 5 of the 2025 ALDS, he set a playoff record with seven consecutive strikeouts and ended the game with a total of 13, the highest ever in a do-or-die scenario.

Despite these impressive achievements, one might assume Skubal would be earning a hefty paycheck. However, the Detroit Tigers seem to have a different perspective on his value.

This week, MLB teams have submitted their figures for salary arbitration, setting the stage for potential disputes in the offseason. To explain briefly: in salary arbitration, players propose a salary they believe they deserve, while their team counters with a lower figure. An independent arbitrator then reviews both proposals, assesses the player’s performance, and decides on the final salary.

Skubal has requested $32 million, while the Tigers have countered with $19 million. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, this $13 million gap marks the largest discrepancy in arbitration history.

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The arbitration hearing is slated for February, and it could be historic. If the arbitrator sides with Skubal, his $32 million salary would set a new record for the highest arbitration award in MLB history. The current record is held by Juan Soto, who secured a $31 million deal with the New York Yankees for the 2024 season. Conversely, if the Tigers prevail, Skubal’s $19 million would still be notable as the second-highest arbitration salary for a pitcher, with David Price having earned $19.75 million while with the Tigers in 2015.

Typically, players in their fourth to sixth years of MLB service are eligible for arbitration, usually undergoing the process three times. With over five years of MLB service, Skubal will be compared to peers who were nearing free agency. However, special circumstances allow players and their agents to argue for exceptions based on outstanding performance. Skubal’s two Cy Young awards and stellar statistics bolster his case significantly.

If the Tigers and Skubal can’t agree on a long-term deal, the pitcher will enter free agency after the 2026 season. The Tigers could still re-sign him in that case, though they’d competing with other teams. After all, it’s not every day a top pitcher becomes available on the open market.

However this shakes out, it’s going to be perhaps the most fascinating arbitration hearing Major League Baseball has ever seen.