The Detroit Tigers have been in the news all offseason for one reason and for one player: Tarik Skubal.
Whether it's the contract talks between the two sides or trade rumors, Skubal has been one of the more closely followed players this offseason.
His odds of actually being traded are slim, but that doesn't mean Skubal won't be in the news going forward. In fact, after the Tigers made a $19 million offer to Skubal, when the lefty ace asked for $32 million, he will be even more talked about as the arbitration hearing approaches.
For former MLB general manager Jim Bowden, this decision from the Tigers (to offer Skubal just $19 million) was a questionable one.
Bowden called out the Tigers, saying he didn't understand why they made such a low offer to the two-time Cy Young.
Tigers questioned by ex-MLB GM over Tarik Skubal offer
"I don't understand how Tigers could submit an (arbitration) salary of just $19 million with Tarik Skubal after 2 (consecutive) Cy Young Awards and the reality he can be compared as a 5+ player to free agent players." Bowden posted on X. "Skubal submitted a figure of $32m...no need for Skubal to settle. He will win."
Bowden doesn't understand why the Tigers made such a low arbitration submission. Skubal's $19 million would be a lot for a pitcher, but David Price got more than that mark back in 2015.
For the Tigers to make Skubal's arbitration offer at just $19 million, when he's worth way more than that, is a questionable decision from the Tigers' front office.
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While there is speculation of a split this offseason and a very uncertain future beyond 2026, thanks to the two sides being far apart in contract talks, this contract update is a bad one that will lead to further strife between Skubal and Detroit.
Bowden, a former Major League Baseball general manager, believes that Skubal will win this hearing and that the Tigers' lefty ace does not need to settle for anything less than what he's seeking.
If Detroit isn't properly evaluating him, then Skubal has no reason to stay in Detroit beyond 2026, especially when he could get a massive deal in free agency next winter.
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