Tarik Skubal contract update; Detroit Tigers roster battles heat up in camp

About this episode

The episode discusses Tarik Skubal's contract situation and the ongoing roster battles for the Detroit Tigers as spring training progresses.

Spring training storylines are heating up for the Detroit Tigers with just 16 days until 2026 Opening Day. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown react to Tarik Skubal shutting down his participation for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic after one start and Justin Verlander hinting that this year could be his final season. We also break down Kevin McGonigle becoming an international sensation after hitting a 461-foot home run in the Dominican Republic — and provide an update about his chances of making the Opening Day roster. We debate other key roster questions: A left-hander like Enmanuel De Jesus or a right-hander like Burch Smith for the final bullpen spot; Casey Mize or Drew Anderson for the final rotation spot, with the other moving to the bullpen; Parker Meadows or Wenceel Pérez if McGonigle forces his way into the position player group, with the other landing in Triple-A Toledo. Bob Nightengale — USA TODAY Sports MLB columnist and insider — joins the show to discuss Skubal's contract situation. Have the Tigers offered their homegrown ace a long-term extension in the past 16 months? Nightengale has the answer, plus other information…

People in this episode

Hosts: Evan Petzold, Chris Brown

Guest: Bob Nightengale

Topics covered

• Detroit Tigers
• Spring Training
• Tarik Skubal
• roster battles
• MLB prospects
• contract updates

Keywords

• Tarik Skubal
• Detroit Tigers
• roster battles
• Spring Training
• Kevin McGonigle
• Bob Nightengale

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: USA TODAY Sports, Team USA

Places: Dominican Republic

More episodes of Days of Roar: A Free Press Sports Detroit Tigers Podcast

• Bonus: Kevin McGonigle era begins with Detroit Tigers' Opening Day win · March 27, 2026 · 38 min
• Will Kevin McGonigle make Detroit Tigers' Opening Day roster? Previewing 2026 season · March 23, 2026 · 1h 7m
• Who is most important Detroit Tigers player in 2026? Revisiting Parker Meadows vs. Wenceel Pérez · March 17, 2026 · 1h 12m
• Kevin McGonigle watch, Max Clark controversy; Andy Dirks on Detroit Tigers in spring training · March 3, 2026 · 1h 14m
• Running it back: Can Detroit Tigers win with same offense in 2026? · February 25, 2026 · 1h 10m
• Justin Verlander returns to Detroit Tigers; Alex Avila breaks down reunion from all angles · February 17, 2026 · 1h 8m