The Detroit Tigers’ prospects for sustained success hinge significantly on Tarik Skubal, the likely repeat winner of the American League Cy Young Award. However, Skubal will be eligible for free agency after the 2026 MLB season, and former Tigers outfielder Cameron Maybin warns that if Detroit fails to retain him, the superstar left-handed pitcher may join the New York Yankees.
Skubal has been dominant, winning the pitching Triple Crown in 2024 and maintaining an exceptional performance into the 2025 season. Leading the league, he boasts 10 wins, a 2.19 ERA, and an impressive 164-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 20 starts. Freeing Skubal up to negotiate with other teams could result in a lucrative contract that the Tigers might struggle to match.
Could the Yankees Secure Tarik Skubal If He Hits Free Agency?
The New York Yankees already have a formidable rotation with high-profile pitchers like Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodon, all commanding significant salaries. Despite this, Maybin believes Skubal’s talents would fit perfectly in New York’s demanding environment.
If the Tigers screw this up, there’s only one place Skubal belongs…..rocking pinstripes in the Bronx!
—Cameron Maybin, former Detroit Tigers outfielder
Aura. Moxie. Straight bulldog. If you think he’s filthy now? Just wait ‘til he’s toeing the rubber in October at Yankee Stadium. I dare you.
—Cameron Maybin, former Detroit Tigers outfielder
Maybin suggests that pitching for the historic Yankees, known for their intense demands and high expectations, would elevate Skubal’s game even further.
I only said what I said because I know the competitor he is,
Maybin explained.
From my experience, guys like him take it to another level when they’re surrounded by history, expectation, and the will to win. He wants those big moments. He thrives in them.
—Cameron Maybin, former Detroit Tigers outfielder
Having experienced New York’s intense baseball culture during the 2019 season with the Yankees, Maybin is well acquainted with the pressure players endure there. That year, the team advanced to the American League Championship Series but ultimately fell to the Houston Astros in six games.
The pressure in New York comes from the expectation that every game, every inning, and every at-bat matters,
Maybin shared.
The media scrutiny, the diehard fanbase that lives and breathes baseball, and the franchise’s history all combine to create a level of intensity that’s hard to match. You’re not just playing the game. You’re carrying the weight of legends who wore the pinstripes before you.
—Cameron Maybin, former Detroit Tigers outfielder
Detroit Tigers’ Ability to Retain Their Ace
The Tigers are not a small-market team and have previously committed substantial funds to sign free agents. For example, Detroit’s most expensive contracts include a nine-year, $214 million deal for Prince Fielder in 2012 and an eight-year, $248 million contract for Miguel Cabrera signed just two years later. These precedents suggest the organization can afford to re-sign Skubal if they prioritize it.
Fans concerned about Maybin’s remarks should still remain hopeful that the Tigers will secure their ace, especially if Detroit captures a World Series title for the first time since 1984.
Maybin himself supports Skubal staying with the Tigers but recognizes the possibility of him thriving elsewhere if Detroit missteps with negotiations.
Of course I’d love for the Tigers to lock him up for life,
Maybin posted.
But if they fumble this? He wouldn’t just survive in the Bronx. He would welcome the challenge and dominate it.
—Cameron Maybin, former Detroit Tigers outfielder
The Future Impact of Tarik Skubal’s Contract Decisions
Tarik Skubal’s free agency is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for both the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees. Detroit’s ability to retain one of baseball’s premier young pitchers could define the franchise’s competitiveness for years to come. Conversely, if Skubal joins the Yankees, he will bring elite talent to a rotation already filled with top-tier starters, potentially tipping the balance of power within the American League.
As the 2026 off-season approaches, the decisions made by the Tigers’ management will be crucial—not only for Skubal’s career but also for the broader MLB landscape and the fierce rivalry between teams vying for championship glory.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What nationality is Tarik Skubal from?
A. Tarik Daniel Skubal, who was born on November 20, 1996, is a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball (MLB).