MLB Postseason Buzz: Tigers Pledge to Spend, Keep Skubal

Does it feel warm in here to you? 

We're in the thick of the MLB postseason with the World Series looming, but the offseason hot stove is raring to go. While we await the Fall Classic, we're keeping track of players who may be on the move, manager comings and goings, and other buzz from around the majors. 

Detroit Tigers general manager Scott Harris said he extended manager A.J. Hinch's contract during the 2025 season and insisted ownership will provide the resources necessary to sign ace Tarik Skubal to a long-term deal. 

Harris declined to say how long Hinch is under contract.

"We want him to be here as long as he’s willing to be here," Harris said. "I want to work with him as long as I can possibly work with him."

Skubal signed a $10.15 million, one-year contract during the last offseason — avoiding salary arbitration — and he's set to become a free agent after the 2026 season. He won the AL Cy Young Award and was the league’s pitching Triple Crown winner in 2024. He followed that with a career-low 2.21 ERA and a career-high 241 strikeouts and is the front runner to repeat as winner.

Harris insisted team owner Chris Ilitch will support the organization with what is needed for payroll, including what it would take to keep the 28-year-old lefty long term.

"I have no concerns about that," Harris said.

Eight teams are now looking for new managers – including the Padres, who just made the postseason. Which of these gigs seem most enticing?
 

Mike Shildt is retiring after two seasons as the San Diego Padres’ manager.

The Padres confirmed the 57-year-old Shildt’s decision Monday. In a letter to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Shildt said he is retiring because "the grind of the baseball season has taken a severe toll on me