Tarik Skubal, Tigers ‘not close’ on deal with ace seeking record pact

The Tigers months ago tried to lock up the game’s best pitcher, Tarik Skubal, who finished a 13-K, no-walk shutout with a whiff on a 102.6-mph pitch (record starter velocity). But word is, the sides are “not close” to a deal.

It’s not going to be easy even though Skubal is consistently positive about Detroit and the Tigers have only two players on the books past 2025: Javier Baéz and Colt Keith.

Of course, Skubal will seek a record deal for a pitcher.

The Yankees bullpen looks fine statistically — their 3.25 ERA ranks fifth — but one scout suggests it’s a concern.