Tigers Facing Immediate Pressure After Tarik Skubal News

Major League Baseball announced on Wednesday that Skubal won the 2025 AL Cy Young Award, his second straight year being honored with this accomplishment. 

By winning his second consecutive award, Skubal became the first American League pitcher to do so since Pedro Martinez in 1999 and 2000. 

With the offseason beginning this week, there have been reports that Skubal may not be wearing a Tigers uniform in 2026. Next season will be the last that Detroit has control of Skubal, as he will be eligible for free agency before 2027.

After Skubal was announced as the Cy Young winner, Tigers fans urged their team to extend him rather than trading him before the season or letting him walk after it.

"PAY HIM FOR THE LOVE OF GOD," said one fan.

"Congratulations to Tarik - Detroit, do the right thing and sign him to a long term deal," wrote another.

"Surely THIS means we’ll extend him riiiighhtt??" chimed in one more.

This past season was Skubal's fifth full year in the majors with Detroit. In his career, Skubal has a 54-37 record in 137 appearances with an incredible 3.08 ERA. He has struck out 889 batters with only 172 walks.

"Tiger King. (Sign him please)," the comments continued.

"Great now pay this man before we have to watch another one of our great pitchers win a World Series with another team," said another fan.

"and all the tigers fans say in unison….. PAY HIM," wrote one more.

While this is some generational news for Skubal, it is clear that Tigers fans only have one thing in mind when it comes to their ace.