Tigers owner Chris Ilitch had some rare comments on Tarik Skubal’s impending free agency this week.
Asked by The Athletic whether the team might look to extend the two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner before he hits the open market this winter, Ilitch didn’t have much to add on the topic.
“I would say Scott Harris is always looking to make smart baseball decisions,” Ilitch said. “Whether it’s acquiring players or investing in infrastructure. I hope it’s clear I want to support our team to make sure that we are a championship-caliber organization.
“So let’s let Scott evaluate and decide what he’d like to do, but I think I’m going to do everything I can to continue to support our team and make sure we’re a championship-type club. So let’s see how it all plays out.”
Skubal, 29, and the team have been far apart on extension talks all offseason, with The Post’s Jon Heyman reporting a jarring $250 million gap between the two sides in November.
The southpaw is expected to garner a massive, perhaps record-setting, payday if he goes into free agency after the 2026 season.
Ilitch’s comments come just weeks after Skubal earned a record-breaking $32 million salary for this season after a hard-fought arbitration process with the Tigers — who countered with a $19 million arbitration filing — that went the pitcher’s way.
Skubal will take the mound against Great Britain in his lone start for Team USA on Saturday, although he is only expected to throw 55 pitches as he prepares for the MLB season.
Over the last two seasons, Skubal has enjoyed historic success, posting a 2.30 ERA with 469 strikeouts in 387 2/3 innings, and has added two new trophies to his award closet.
He will be joined by fellow left-hander Framber Valdez, who signed a three-year, $115 million free agent contract with the Tigers last month, forming one of the best 1-2 starting rotation punches in baseball.