1. Skubal, Tigers go to arbitration:
As noted by Cody Stavenhagen of AthleticAn arbitration hearing is scheduled today between the Tigers and the back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner Pull Skubal. That makes today the last day the parties can reach an agreement to avoid a hearing, although that seems extremely unlikely. Not only is there a massive $13MM gap between Skubal’s $32MM filing amount and the team’s $19MM filing amount, but the Tigers typically refuse to negotiate one-year deals after the filing deadline. Assuming the case goes to a hearing before an arbitration panel, no decision is expected today. However, if that decision is pronounced, it could have significant consequences. If Skubal wins, his $32 million salary for this year would significantly raise the bar for future top pitchers, after decades of the guns failing to even get below $20 million in salary arbitration. If the Tigers win, they could have significantly more resources to further strengthen the club.
2. The Valdez Market:
Framber Valdez is the top name still on the market, with the Orioles being the only team aggressively linked to him in the rumor mill. Baltimore has some competition, however, as their AL East rivals in Toronto also tied for Valdez yesterday. If the Jays renew their interest, it could put some pressure on the Orioles to get a deal done, and after a busy offseason in which the Jays missed out on both Kyle Tucker And Bo Bichette The team that successfully lured Valdez to Canada cannot be ruled out. With fewer opportunities left to improve, teams focused on other goals were able to return to Valdez in the coming days.
3. Two DFA resolutions expected:
Left-handed Connor Pilkington from the Nationals and Rockies outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez were both designated for assignment a week ago today, which means they have been granted waivers and a resolution can be expected today. If either player leaves the field, they will go to Triple-A via an outright assignment as a non-roster level for their current club. An exemption claim from a rival club would send them to a new organization, while keeping their hold on a 40-man roster intact. Pilkington made his MLB debut in 2022 as a member of the Guardians and has a career 3.97 ERA over 88 1/3 innings of work, albeit with mediocre peripheral numbers. Fernandez, meanwhile, made his MLB debut in 2025 and hit just .225/.265/.348 in 147 plate appearances, but he’s only 23 years old, not far from top-100 status and also has a minor league option remaining.
#Opener #Skubal #Valdez #DFA #Resolutions