Left-hander Tarik Skubal took down the Detroit Tigers in a record-breaking arbitration case, securing a $32 million salary for the 2026 season rather than the $19 million proposed by the Tigers. To break down the case, former Tigers executive Mike Smith joins Evan Petzold for a special "Days of Roar" bonus episode. Smith, an expert in salary arbitration, takes a detailed look at the historic showdown between the Tigers and Skubal, including how the process works — and what ultimately decided the case for the back-to-back American League Cy Young winner.

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. 

Read Evan's most recent work here

Left-hander Tarik Skubal took down the Detroit Tigers in a record-breaking arbitration case, securing a $32 million salary for the 2026 season rather than the $19 million proposed by the Tigers. To break down the case, former Tigers executive Mike Smith joins Evan Petzold for a special "Days of Roar" bonus episode. Smith, an expert in salary arbitration, takes a detailed look at the historic showdown between the Tigers and Skubal, including how the process works &mdash; and what ultimately decided the case for the back-to-back American League Cy Young winner.
Follow Evan on <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold">X/Twitter here.</a>&nbsp;
Read Evan's <a href="https://www.freep.com/staff/3109264001/evan-petzold/">most recent work here</a>

Hosted by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Days of Roar can generally be found every Monday wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in to listen to engaging conversations and unique perspectives on your Detroit Tigers. Evan brings insider insights and analysis as a Tigers beat writer. Days of Roar is your go-to Tigers podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team.

Hosted by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Days of Roar can generally be found every Monday wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in to listen to engaging conversations and unique perspectives on your Detroit Tigers. Evan brings insider insights and analysis as a Tigers beat writer. Days of Roar is your go-to Tigers podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team.

Days of Roar: A Free Press Sports Detroit Tigers Podcast

Bonus: Expert explains why Tarik Skubal beat Detroit Tigers in record arbitration case

Detroit Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle made the Opening Day roster — and the 21-year-old recorded four hits in his first game as the Tigers earned an 8-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Opening Day. He became the first Tigers player since 1987 (and the second in franchise history) to collect four hits in his MLB debut, which included a two-run double to the right-field corner (nicknamed McGonigle Corner) on the first pitch he saw from Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta in the first inning. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break it all down in a bonus episode, going inside the clubhouse to hear from McGonigle, manager A.J. Hinch, president of baseball operations Scott Harris and left-hander Tarik Skubal. After the McGonigle talk, Petzold and Brown evaluate the other final roster decisions, player storylines to watch throughout the season and whether it's World Series or bust for the Tigers, plus postseason and awards predictions for both the American League and National League.

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. 

Read Evan's most recent work here

Detroit Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle made the Opening Day roster &mdash; and the 21-year-old recorded four hits in his first game as the Tigers earned an 8-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Opening Day. He became the first Tigers player since 1987 (and the second in franchise history) to collect four hits in his MLB debut, which included a two-run double to the right-field corner (nicknamed McGonigle Corner) on the first pitch he saw from Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta in the first inning. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break it all down in a bonus episode, going inside the clubhouse to hear from McGonigle, manager A.J. Hinch, president of baseball operations Scott Harris and left-hander Tarik Skubal. After the McGonigle talk, Petzold and Brown evaluate the other final roster decisions, player storylines to watch throughout the season and whether it's World Series or bust for the Tigers, plus postseason and awards predictions for both the American League and National League.
Follow Evan on <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold">X/Twitter here.</a>&nbsp;
Read Evan's <a href="https://www.freep.com/staff/3109264001/evan-petzold/">most recent work here</a>

Bonus: Kevin McGonigle era begins with Detroit Tigers' Opening Day win

The Detroit Tigers are finalizing their Opening Day roster with three days until the first game of the 2026 season against the San Diego Padres. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down Tarik Skubal's "lethargic" final spring training start and reveal their final roster predictions, focusing on the biggest decision: Will top prospect Kevin McGonigle make the Opening Day roster? We also dive into the other roster battles, including Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, Brenan Hanifee, Enmanuel De Jesus, Burch Smith and Sean Guenther. As the season begins, Petzold and Brown identify the Tigers' biggest strength (starting rotation) and biggest weakness (bullpen), plus they dive into 10 predictions about the season, featuring Skubal, McGonigle and Justin Verlander. Kevin Acee, the Padres beat writer for The San Diego Union-Tribune, joins the show to preview the opening series between the Tigers and Padres. To wrap up, Petzold and Brown discuss whether it's too early to worry about these key players based on spring training results: Spencer Torkelson, Kerry Carpenter, Colt Keith, Casey Mize and Jack Flaherty.

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. 

Read Evan's most recent work here

The Detroit Tigers are finalizing their Opening Day roster with three days until the first game of the 2026 season against the San Diego Padres. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down Tarik Skubal's "lethargic" final spring training start and reveal their final roster predictions, focusing on the biggest decision: Will top prospect Kevin McGonigle make the Opening Day roster? We also dive into the other roster battles, including Parker Meadows, Wenceel P&eacute;rez, Brenan Hanifee, Enmanuel De Jesus, Burch Smith and Sean Guenther. As the season begins, Petzold and Brown identify the Tigers' biggest strength (starting rotation) and biggest weakness (bullpen), plus they dive into 10 predictions about the season, featuring Skubal, McGonigle and Justin Verlander. Kevin Acee, the Padres beat writer for The San Diego Union-Tribune, joins the show to preview the opening series between the Tigers and Padres. To wrap up, Petzold and Brown discuss whether it's too early to worry about these key players based on spring training results: Spencer Torkelson, Kerry Carpenter, Colt Keith, Casey Mize and Jack Flaherty.
Follow Evan on <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold">X/Twitter here.</a>&nbsp;
Read Evan's <a href="https://www.freep.com/staff/3109264001/evan-petzold/">most recent work here</a>

Will Kevin McGonigle make Detroit Tigers' Opening Day roster? Previewing 2026 season

Opening Day roster decisions are coming down to the wire with nine days until the Detroit Tigers open the 2026 season. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down the latest spring training developments, including whether the Toronto Blue Jays are already eyeing Tarik Skubal in free agency and what Enmanuel De Jesus joining the 40-man roster means for the bullpen battle. We also discuss the latest on top prospect Kevin McGonigle — including his consistent approach, the way pitchers are challenging him and his updated chances of making the Opening Day roster, plus how the Tigers are already treating him like a big leaguer in the clubhouse. Petzold and Brown identify the most important player to the Tigers' success and run through a stock watch with three players trending up and three players trending down in spring training. Jaylon Thompson, the Kansas City Royals beat writer for the Kansas City Star, joins the show to provide insight on the upcoming American League Central race. To close, Petzold and Brown revisit key roster decisions, headlined by Wenceel Pérez vs. Parker Meadows in the outfield.

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. 

Read Evan's most recent work here

Opening Day roster decisions are coming down to the wire with nine days until the Detroit Tigers open the 2026 season. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down the latest spring training developments, including whether the Toronto Blue Jays are already eyeing Tarik Skubal in free agency and what Enmanuel De Jesus joining the 40-man roster means for the bullpen battle. We also discuss the latest on top prospect Kevin McGonigle &mdash; including his consistent approach, the way pitchers are challenging him and his updated chances of making the Opening Day roster, plus how the Tigers are already treating him like a big leaguer in the clubhouse. Petzold and Brown identify the most important player to the Tigers' success and run through a stock watch with three players trending up and three players trending down in spring training. Jaylon Thompson, the Kansas City Royals beat writer for the Kansas City Star, joins the show to provide insight on the upcoming American League Central race. To close, Petzold and Brown revisit key roster decisions, headlined by Wenceel P&eacute;rez vs. Parker Meadows in the outfield.
Follow Evan on <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold">X/Twitter here.</a>&nbsp;
Read Evan's <a href="https://www.freep.com/staff/3109264001/evan-petzold/">most recent work here</a>

Bonus: Expert explains why Tarik Skubal beat Detroit Tigers in record arbitration case

Days of Roar: A Free Press Sports Detroit Tigers Podcast

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