Brewers Open to Cover Full Remainder of Tarik Skubal's Contract

Milwaukee owner Mark Attanasio is said to be willing to take on the entire remaining balance of Detroit pitcher Tarik Skubal's contract, which stands at about $9.8 million and will decline slightly after the trade deadline, according to sources cited by The Athletic. The move would place the Brewers, who already rank in the bottom third of MLB payrolls, near the highest payroll level in franchise history.

Larger-market teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs are also reportedly interested in Skubal, but the Brewers’ willingness to absorb his salary could make a deal more attractive for Detroit, which may seek additional prospects in return. The club has previously demonstrated a readiness to assume salary, notably covering more than $2 million of Lance McCullers Jr.'s contract to acquire pitcher Colton Gordon from the Houston Astros.

Milwaukee’s rotation currently features top prospect Jacob Misiorowski, while several other arms are limited by injuries or limited innings. The addition of Skubal would bolster a staff that includes Logan Henderson, Robert Gasser, Shane Drohan and Brandon Sproat, potentially creating a strong postseason rotation.

Analysts note that the price for Skubal would likely require the Brewers to include some of their own starters or prospects, though the team’s depth of talent may allow it to meet Detroit’s demands without parting with its top shortstop prospect, Jesus Made.