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

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>

Who is most important Detroit Tigers player in 2026? Revisiting Parker Meadows vs. Wenceel Pérez

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. To wrap up, we take a deep dive into the prospects selected by the Tigers for MLB's Spring Breakout showcase, including youngsters Cris Rodriguez, Jordan Yost and Michael Oliveto.

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. 

Read Evan's most recent work here

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 &mdash; 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 P&eacute;rez if McGonigle forces his way into the position player group, with the other landing in Triple-A Toledo. Bob Nightengale &mdash; USA TODAY Sports MLB columnist and insider &mdash; 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. To wrap up, we take a deep dive into the prospects selected by the Tigers for MLB's Spring Breakout showcase, including youngsters Cris Rodriguez, Jordan Yost and Michael Oliveto.
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>

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

Spring training decisions are starting to take shape for the Detroit Tigers with less than four weeks until Opening Day on March 26. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down the Troy Melton injury and six early roster cuts, then dive into the latest on top prospect Kevin McGonigle and his real chances of making the Opening Day roster – including which position player could be on the chopping block to make room for him. We also unpack the Max Clark situation, featuring his comments and A.J. Hinch's comments amid outside criticism about his personality after dropping two fly balls in one inning. Former Tigers player and current Tigers broadcaster Andy Dirks joins the show to discuss his broadcasting journey and his outlook on the 2026 Tigers, headlined by Justin Verlander's return, Riley Greene's adjustment and McGonigle's rapid rise. To close, Petzold and Brown provide an injury update on Jackson Jobe and react to Detroit SportsNet becoming the new broadcast home of the Tigers and Red Wings.

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. 

Read Evan's most recent work here

Spring training decisions are starting to take shape for the Detroit Tigers with less than four weeks until Opening Day on March 26. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down the Troy Melton injury and six early roster cuts, then dive into the latest on top prospect Kevin McGonigle and his real chances of making the Opening Day roster &ndash; including which position player could be on the chopping block to make room for him. We also unpack the Max Clark situation, featuring his comments and A.J. Hinch's comments amid outside criticism about his personality after dropping two fly balls in one inning. Former Tigers player and current Tigers broadcaster Andy Dirks joins the show to discuss his broadcasting journey and his outlook on the 2026 Tigers, headlined by Justin Verlander's return, Riley Greene's adjustment and McGonigle's rapid rise. To close, Petzold and Brown provide an injury update on Jackson Jobe and react to Detroit SportsNet becoming the new broadcast home of the Tigers and Red Wings.
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

Days of Roar: A Free Press Sports Detroit Tigers Podcast

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