First baseman Michael Busch resumes his role as the leadoff batter against righties, followed by Alex Bregman at third base and Ian Happ in left. Pete Crow-Armstrong plays center and bats cleanup, then it's Nico Hoerner at second, Carson Kelly catching, and Moises Ballesteros behind the plate.
Throughout the offseason, one of the more awkward times of the year is the subject of arbitration for players and teams around Major League Baseball. Their case is a true first, as Skubal and his camp are seeking $32 million in salary for 2026, which would be a record awarded in arbitration. The Tigers filed at $19 million, which leaves the side $13 million apart as rumors of Skubal being traded to the highest bidder will only surely increase moving forward.
