Tarik Skubal, the American League's top pitcher, has requested $32 million (approximately 46.98 billion won) in salary arbitration—what would be the highest amount ever sought in arbitration history.
According to the Associated Press on Sunday, Skubal appeared at his arbitration hearing and stated he wants to receive $32 million this year. The figure represents a significant gap from the $19 million (approximately 27.9 billion won) offered by his team, the Detroit Tigers.
The Tigers believe $19 million represents a substantial raise, given that Skubal earned $10.5 million in the 2025 season.
The arbitration panel is expected to rule as early as Monday, selecting either the player's or the team's figure as the final amount.
If Skubal's request is accepted, it would set a new record for the highest salary ever awarded in arbitration. The current record is $31 million, which Juan Soto, 27, now with the New York Mets, received from the New York Yankees in 2024.
Skubal made 31 starts in the 2025 season, posting a 13-6 record with a 2.21 ERA.
With his consistent performance, Skubal won the Cy Young Award for the second consecutive year, cementing his status as the league's premier pitcher.