In a surprising twist during the MLB offseason, rumors are swirling that Detroit Tigers’ top pitching prospect, Jackson Jobe, is at the center of discussions for a staggering $100 million contract. The 22-year-old right-hander, ranked No. 5 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects list, has yet to fully establish himself in the majors, making this potential deal a bold statement about his future. As the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 27, the question looms: could this massive offer tempt Jobe to leave Detroit before his career truly takes off?

Jobe, selected third overall in the 2021 MLB Draft out of high school, has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s rebuild. His rapid rise through the minors—posting a 2.97 ERA across 58 starts with 261 strikeouts in 233 innings—culminated in a late-season call-up in 2024, where he tossed four scoreless innings in relief. His playoff cameo, though rocky, showcased his electric arsenal: a triple-digit fastball, a devastating slider, and a newly refined curveball that turned heads in spring training. This spring, Jobe earned a rotation spot alongside AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, signaling Detroit’s faith in his potential to anchor their pitching staff for years to come.

The rumored $100 million deal, however, introduces a wrinkle. While specifics remain unclear—whether it’s an extension from the Tigers or an offer from another team via trade speculation—the figure is eye-popping for a player with just two MLB relief appearances. For context, Jobe’s current salary is $780,000, a rookie minimum. A $100 million contract would dwarf that, aligning him with established stars like Skubal, who signed a modest extension after his Cy Young win. If the Tigers are behind this offer, it could be a preemptive strike to lock up their prized prospect before he hits arbitration or free agency. If it’s from elsewhere, it raises the stakes: would Jobe consider forcing a move?

Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris has preached patience and development, emphasizing Jobe’s long-term fit in Detroit’s plans. The team’s recent playoff run and deep farm system suggest a bright future, with Jobe as a key piece. Yet, $100 million is a life-changing sum, especially for a kid from Oklahoma City who signed for $6.9 million out of high school. The allure of immediate wealth and a fresh start elsewhere could test his loyalty, particularly if a contender like the Dodgers or Yankees comes calling with a win-now roster.

For now, Jobe remains focused on his craft, exuding confidence in spring training with quips like, “I’m done trying to dot a gnat’s ass,” after striking out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Leaving Detroit seems unlikely this early—he’s tied to the Tigers through club control until at least 2030. But as the 2025 season unfolds, his performance could fuel or quash these rumors. Will Jobe stay the course with Detroit, or will $100 million prove too tempting to resist? Baseball fans are watching closely.