Even though Tarik Skubal is still a year away from free agency, he’s already dominating the conversation. Notably, this season with the Tigers, he posted a 13-6 record with an AL-best 2.21 ERA, an MLB-leading 0.89 WHIP, and a career-high 241 strikeouts. And right now, he’s widely seen as the best pitcher in the American League. So it’s no surprise he’s the center of both on-field and off-field buzz.

That said, it’s the kind of talk the Tigers probably aren’t thrilled about, especially with a team like the Mets lurking, potentially ready to pull off a surprise move. Why? Because, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman, “There’s a gap of ‘close to $250 million’ in contract negotiations between Tarik Skubal and the Tigers.” So, while this seems like the end of the road for Skubal in Detroit, a new window in New York seems to be opening here…

“The Mets could potentially trade ‘anyone but Nolan McLean’ in a package for Tarik Skubal,” SleeperMets quoted insider Andy Martino.

Well, currently, Skubal’s future is pretty up in the air. He’s only under contract with the Tigers for one more year, set to make $22.5 million in 2026. But as the fans were hoping that the Tigers would offer an extension, it looks uncertain now. Reportedly, Skubal’s reported asking price is around $400 million, while the Tigers are only willing to go up to $150 million. So, that’s a huge gap!!

And this is where the Mets come in. They could make a big play for Skubal, especially with reports suggesting they’d be willing to trade just about anyone except top prospect Colin Houck McLean. Former Mets exec Jim Duquette even floated a potential trade package including Jett Williams or Carson Benge, Brandon Sproat or Jonah Tong, and Ryan Clifford, a mix that could tempt Detroit.

Yes, giving up McLean might feel like too steep a price, but a pitcher of Skubal’s caliber doesn’t come cheap. And with the Mets’ rotation issues this year, Kodai Senga’s struggles, and a bullpen stretched too thin, landing an ace like Skubal could be exactly what they need. The question is, are they willing to pay the price before the Tigers make up their minds?

Tarik Skubal’s agent plays a role in his contract

Tarik Skubal is Scott Boras’ client, and now you know what type of hardballs the Tigers would face in dealing with his contract. Consider Boras, famous or infamous, he would ensure the maximum return from any available suitors. Thus, making things far more difficult for the Tigers.

If you remember, last winter, the Tigers came close to landing another Scott Boras client — Alex Bregman. They reportedly offered the most years and the highest total value. But Boras countered with a number Detroit wasn’t willing to match. So, if that’s any indication of how negotiations with Tarik Skubal might go, the Tigers could be in for a tough ride.

Yes, a contract extension would be a dream scenario for Detroit and its fans, but the chances seem slim. Boras rarely agrees to early extensions, especially for stars like Skubal… He prefers to let the open market set the price. And if Skubal stays healthy, that market is going to be sky-high.

The Mets, of course, know exactly how Boras operates. Just look at how they managed to land Juan Soto with a record-breaking deal. So at the end of the day, this might not just be a battle between the Tigers and Mets. It could come down to how much control Boras wants to exert over where and how Skubal gets paid.