The Detroit Tigers aimed to build on their 2025 playoff success by making significant moves for 2026. They acquired pitcher Framber Valdez and closer Kenley Jansen. They retained hitter Gleyber Torres with a qualifying offer and secured prospect Kevin McGonigle with a $150 million deal. Most importantly, they kept Tarik Skubal.
Skubal, a standout pitcher who won the Cy Young Award in 2025, faced potential free agency in 2026. His performance before an injury had him poised for a record contract, which made a Detroit extension unlikely. The goal was for a championship run to justify losing Skubal in free agency. However, as of June, the Tigers’ season hasn’t gone as planned.
Skubal has been out since May with an elbow injury, and the team’s performance has declined. The Tigers rank third worst in offense and defense, according to FanGraphs. While their starting pitching is above average, bullpen issues have been glaring. They rank second in baseball with 14 blown saves and last in win probability added.
The Cleveland Guardians lead the division, while the Tigers lag 11.5 games behind in last place. As a result, trading Skubal has become more realistic. Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic reported a growing trend toward this outcome. Although the Tigers face a bleak outlook, Skubal’s recovery timeline brings potential trade value ahead of the deadline.
It’s trending that way,” Rosenthal shared. “Talking with people around the game, that is their feeling.
Detroit expects Skubal to return by mid to late June following NanoNeedle elbow surgery. This timeline provides the Tigers about a month to decide on a trade. Interest is strong, with teams ready to negotiate if Skubal proves healthy.
Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves are potential suitors. The Milwaukee Brewers, known for trading for expiring contracts, might also enter the mix. Skubal’s trade value remains high, and big-market teams might offer aggressive deals hoping for an extension before free agency.
The demand for top pitchers in postseason scenarios is evident, and Skubal fits this demand well. His potential move to another team could materialize soon, shaping the future for both Skubal and the Tigers.
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