Tigers predicted to sign $74 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate to form strong 1-2 punch with Tarik Skubal for final playoff push originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Detroit Tigers relationship with their two-time Cy Young, Tarik Skubal, seems to be at an end, with no discussions for a contract extension working out. With that in mind, Detroit has one more season to try and win a World Series with Skubal, and then find his replacement.
Luckily, they may be able to power up their rotation and find a replacement for Skubal in one guy. Fansided’s Christopher Kline predicts that player is All-Star and former Cy Young candidate Zac Gallen.
“Zac Gallen is only a couple years removed from genuine Cy Young consideration in the National League. The 2025 campaign was a disaster from start to finish, but there were enough glimmers of his former self for us to believe Gallen can bounce back. At least to an extent. If the Tigers keep Skubal and bank it all on this season, Gallen is a great No. 2 or No. 3 in the rotation, assuming things break right. If Skubal is dealt elsewhere, Gallen becomes the closest thing to an "affordable" ace on the market. Detroit will need to fill Skubal's shoes somehow,” Kline wrote.
This past season, Gallen posted a 13-15 record, a 4.83 ERA, 175 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.260 over 192 innings pitched. At the least, he’ll eat innings and get Ks. At the most, he’ll bounce-back in a more pitcher-friendly park like Comerica, and be the No. 2 Skubal desperately needs.
Gallen is projected to receive a four-year, $74 million contract, and for the Tigers, that would be much more doable than what the Tigers would have to pay Skubal, even though he’s worth it. He’d be a solid, cost-effective ace while the Tigers either grow their next one in the farm, or sign/trade for a big shot.
Hopefully, the Tigers consider this, and get to work on meeting with Gallen’s camp, so they can give Skubal one last run in a Tigers uniform.
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