Overview
- President of baseball operations Scott Harris said the team extended Hinch earlier this year, with terms undisclosed under the club’s policy for non-player contracts.
- Harris said he has no concerns about ownership providing the payroll resources needed for a long-term Skubal extension, noting the left-hander is under team control through 2026.
- Skubal followed his 2024 AL Cy Young and Triple Crown with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts in 2025, positioning him for a potentially massive deal if talks progress.
- Asked about Skubal’s future, Harris declined to discuss trades or specific negotiations, a non-committal stance that has fueled outside speculation but not signaled any decision.
- The extension comes after Detroit’s second-half collapse and a 15-inning ALDS Game 5 loss to Seattle, with Hinch’s removal of Skubal before 100 pitches drawing scrutiny that he later defended.