Donaldson: 'Trash' Tigers fumbled Skubal's arbitration

Former MLB star Josh Donaldson believes the Detroit Tigers botched the arbitration process with two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.

"A little behind but just saw the arbitration news on Skubal," Donaldson wrote Saturday on X. "I mean, the Detroit Tigers fumble this big time. Skubal wants $32 million (and) Detroit offers $19 million. Trash organization."

The Tigers and Skubal failed to agree to a 2026 salary before Thursday's deadline due to a reported record-setting $13-million gap between the two sides.

The 29-year-old ace will now likely be involved in a hearing to decide his pay for his final season before potentially testing free agency next offseason.

Skubal will set a new record for arbitration-eligible players with a $32-million salary if he beats the Tigers.

Detroit is a file-and-trial club, which means it doesn't negotiate after the deadline, but the team is believed to be willing to discuss a deal with Skubal.

The left-hander's name has circulated in trade rumors since last winter, when he reportedly rejected a four-year extension offer worth less than $100 million.

Skubal posted an an AL-best 2.21 ERA with 241 strikeouts, 0.89 WHIP, and 6.6 fWAR over 195 1/3 innings (31 starts) in 2025.