How Tarik Skubal’s case could test the norms of MLB’s arbitration system
The New York Times••sports
Key Points:
- The arbitration case between Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers centers on conflicting views of established salary norms, with Skubal seeking $32 million while the Tigers propose $19 million, reflecting differing interpretations of the collective bargaining agreement provisions.
- Skubal’s camp argues that his unique status as a back-to-back Cy Young Award winner with over five years of service allows him to compare his salary to all players, including free agents with lucrative deals, potentially setting a new precedent in arbitration.
- The Tigers have offered a salary exceeding past arbitration records but less than what they pay pitcher Jack Flaherty under a free-agent contract, signaling reluctance to meet Skubal’s high demands and possibly indicating openness to trading him.
- The arbitration panel
