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Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal has been ruled out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow. While this is a major blow to the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner, it appears it won’t get in the way of a record-setting contract.

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel spoke with the league’s agents, executives and scouts, who estimated that Skubal would receive a contract worth approximately $357 million over seven years.

Typically, Skubal’s surgery occurs with a recovery timeline of two to three months. This would put the All-Star pitcher on track to return in late July, right after the MLB All-Star break.

However, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney, there is “optimism in the Tigers clubhouse” that Skubal will be able to return to the mound in June. In a best-case scenario, some even think the reigning Cy Young Award winner could be a part of Detroit’s rotation by early June.

Examining Tarik Skubal’s Future Earning Power

Prior to the 2026 MLB season, Skubal had made 31 starts in consecutive years with over 190 innings pitched. He had demonstrated a track record of being a workhorse starter and was poised to do so again in 2026 before experiencing some pain in his pitching elbow.

Skubal’s success on the mound guarantees he will become the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history. Los Angeles Dodgers starter pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has the most lucrative contract among pitchers at $325 million over 12 years, while Philadelphia Phillies starter Zack Wheeler has the highest average annual salary among pitchers ($42 million).

Based on Skubal’s projected contracts, he will break both records. He would be the first pitcher in MLB history to have a contract AAV of over $50 million and the total value of the contract (over $350 million) would easily surpass the Yamamoto contract covering even fewer years.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The 2026 NFL Draft is less than 24 hours away, and there isn’t much excitement about what the Minnesota Vikings can do. They have the 18th overall pick in the first round, and nine selections overall, the most they have had since 2022, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s first season on the job.

But this time Adofo-Mensah will not move forward. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski will have the final say on the team’s draft selections, but you can rest assured that head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores will have a heavy influence on the team’s decisions.

While many projections have the team likely to be a similar defense in the first round, the Vikings will need to address other needs as well. Below are our best takes on the 2026 Minnesota Vikings mock draft, projecting every pick from Nos. 18 to 244.

RELATED: NFL analyst names Minnesota Vikings first-round pick ‘ideal’ pick

First round, No. 18 overall – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

I know it’s a little boring, only because every Vikings mock draft projects Dillon Thieneman, but we just don’t envision Kenyon Saadiq or Spencer Fano dropping to 18. Still, Thieneman should excite Vikings fans as a prospect, as he boasts freak speed (4.35-second 40 time) and is a versatile piece who can make an impact at the line of scrimmage, in depth, or at nickel. He would be a human chess piece for Coach Flores.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings pick named ‘perfect fit’ for Day 2 receiver

Second round, No. 49 overall – Jake Golde, LB, Cincinnati

Linebacker isn’t an immediate need, but is adding competition to a group that only has Eric Wilson under contract through 2026. Meanwhile, the 6-foot-4 Golde has impressive sideline-to-sideline agility, reaching speeds of up to 22 mph. The former edge rusher will continue to improve in coverage, but Golde will consistently record over 100 tackles at the next level.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings expected to address ‘significant need’ early in NFL Draft

Third round, No. 82 overall – Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

After releasing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, the Vikings have a need in the trenches. Jalen Redmond is developing into an excellent pressure threat, but Domonique Orange or “Big Citrus” could make life easier as an excellent run-stopper with immense strength. Still, with only one sack in college, he needs to continue developing as a pass-rusher at the next level.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings almost guaranteed to target specific position in 2026 NFL Draft

Third round, No. 97 overall – Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

Last offseason, the Vikings signed Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly because he was known for not only being good but also incredibly smart at his position. This off-season, Kelly retired due to high frequency of injuries. While Blake Brandel replaced him admirably in 2025, bringing in more competition is necessary. A former walk-on guard, Hecht has established himself as an above-average center who plays with high IQ and strong instincts.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings urged to trade JJ McCarthy soon

Fifth round, No. 163 overall – Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati

A rare size-speed freak as a 6-foot-5 receiver who clocked a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. Caldwell is not only an on-field Blazer, but he also has experience playing on special teams, and he also blocked two punts in college.

RELATED: 5 Christian Wilkins Landing Spots for 2026

Sixth round, No. 196 overall – Eli Heidenreich, FB, Navy

Vikings fullback and special teams captain C.J. Hamm retired. The Vikings could consider replacing him with Navy’s all-time leading receiver. He’s used to all kinds of trick plays at Navy, but there’s no doubt that Heidenreich is an excellent pass-catcher, but the 6-foot, 198-pound athlete will need to gain weight to become a fullback/tight end. Still, with his 4.44 speed, there is a possibility he could develop into a unique weapon in Coach O’Connell’s offense.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings linked to trade for Pro Bowl cornerback

Seventh round, No. 234 overall – Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

In need of more defensive back depth, it’s worth it to take a Flyers 6-foot-1 corner with 4.4 speed in the seventh round. Especially considering that Domany was one of the top five recruits coming out of Jackson High School. Still, after losing valuable development time due to injury, Jackson would benefit from NFL coaching and patience, but he has the qualities to excel in his potential special teams role early on.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings defensive prospect engages in ‘statement workout’

Seventh round, No. 235 overall – Jaime Miller, RB, Alabama

Chances are, the Vikings will address the RB position before the seventh round, but with the return of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, it’s not an immediate need for 2026. This way, they can afford to take a chance on a lotto ticket like Jaime Miller later. The 5-foot-10, 209-pound player undoubtedly needs to improve in pass protection after totaling 40 receptions in his college career. Still, there’s something good here for an athlete Disappointed 4.42 with 40 time.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings tackle small-school cornerback draft prospect after ‘fantastic’ workout

Seventh round, No. 244 overall – David Gusta, DT, Kentucky

We could wrap up the draft class with another offensive lineman, a tight end to compete for TE3 duties, or even a punter to battle Johnny Hecker, but instead, we come back to a defensive line that has struggled to impress players. Thus, gambling a late-round scratch ticket on a 6-foot-3, 310-pound lineman who had shown explosiveness (4.88 40 time) on tape and in athletic testing seems like a worthy risk. Gusta is another nose tackle who plays with an average rhythm, and he will definitely compete for snaps at times.

RELATED: Final 2026 NFL mock draft: Projecting Round 1 with trades

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

After some key departures, the Detroit Lions have some glaring needs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Finding another starting-caliber offensive tackle is certainly one of them, even with Penei Sewell switching from right to left tackle. Another potential need involves strengthening the team’s running back room after trading David Montgomery to the Texans.

While some will argue that the arrival of free agent signee Isiah Pacheco makes up for the loss of Montgomery, the Lions love to run the football, and they want more than two reliable backs. Another solution could come in the NFL Draft, where the Lions have nine selections.

Recently, ESPN’s NFL analyst Ben Solak suggested that Notre Dame backup RB Jadarion Price is a “dream fit” for the Lions, where he would play second fiddle to Jahmir Gibbs, just like he did with the Fighting Irish behind star RB Jeremiah Love.

The Lions clearly won’t spend the 17th overall pick on a running back this year. However, Price could be their next pick, at No. 50 overall. But then again, the Lions probably won’t want to take on another major challenge to return when they’ve already invested heavily in keeping Gibbs as their starter for the foreseeable future.

Solak calls Price a “difficult projection” because he is not known as a strong pass-blocker or pass-catcher, meaning his best asset is as a rusher.

Price may not be available by the time the Lions are on the clock with the 118th overall pick, but there’s no doubt he could be a difference-maker in Detroit, or wherever he lands.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March edition

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

On March 9, NFL teams will be able to begin negotiating with free agents. After two days they can sign the contract. One of the top free agents available this offseason is Malik Willis, who is set for free agency after two impressive seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

While Willis is unproven, he is viewed as one of the best free agent quarterbacks available. Some teams may also be looking at him as a potential starter after leading the Packers to a 2-1 record the past two seasons.

Of course, for every Sam Darnold success story, there are two or three others who don’t make it, like Justin Fields. Still, for teams that don’t have a franchise QB, taking a chance on a potential starter is often worth the gamble.

Many teams will be looking for a starting quarterback this offseason. As notes, Willis’ market will be driven by how many suitors he has in free agency. Thus, Willis contract estimates are quite scattered.

Florio suggests that Willis could “cash in” by receiving a contract ranging from $20 million per season to $40 million per year. However, their official prediction is that Willis ultimately signs a deal worth between $20 and $30 million per season.

Fields received a two-year, $40 million contract from the Jets last season. Now it appears that Willis, a former third-round pick who will be 27 when the season starts, could be considering a similar contract. But again, it all depends on how many teams are interested.

RELATED: Miami Dolphins could make unprecedented move with Tua Tagovailoa

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

A new ranking of rookies poised for a big season in 2026 announced that New York Mets prospect Nolan MacLean is the best in baseball, and he could be the club’s top player by the playoffs.

McLean only made eight starts in 2025, but he took New York and the baseball world as a whole by storm. The third-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft went 5-1, posted a 2.06 ERA, and struck out 57 batters in just 48 innings. He was impressive and his stuff was electric.

The 24-year-old gave NY Mets fans hope that they may have another homegrown ace on their hands. However, it would not be surprising if McLean regressed during his first full season in the big leagues, as opposing teams get more tape on him and can develop better game plans to expose and attack any of his weaknesses.

Still, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden doesn’t see that happening, and he’s a big believer in the NY Mets rookie’s talent.

Will Nolan McLean be the NY Mets Game 1 starter in the playoffs?

“His breaking pitches are devastating offerings, and his aggressiveness in early counts reflects his competitiveness, confidence and poise. He’s a good athlete who was a two-way player in college and early in his professional career. His potential and potential are very high,” Bowden wrote after ranking McLean No. 1 on his list of rookies poised for a big season in 2026.

The former MLB general manager greatly praised Nolan MacLean’s skill set. However, he offered a bold piece of praise that will surely surprise many NY Mets and baseball fans.

Bowden declared, “I wouldn’t be surprised if, after the season, he’s the Mets’ Game 1 starter, with Freddy Peralta behind him. That’s how much I love his potential.”

If Freddy Peralta is as good as he was in 2025, and Nolan McLean proves he deserves to be their Game 1 starter to begin the postseason, New York will be a serious threat to reach the World Series this fall.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos