As the MLB trade deadline approaches in early August, several playoff-contending teams are hoping the Detroit Tigers shift course and finally part ways with left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal.
Since Skubal’s absence, the Tigers have been one of the league’s biggest letdowns, going 1–9 in their last ten games and sitting at 20–31 overall 7.5 games behind in the American League Central.
While the AL Central is only moderately competitive, the Tigers can’t afford to dig themselves into an insurmountable hole.
If Detroit falls out of playoff contention, keeping Skubal would make little sense unless they present him with a contract extension that he actually signs. Failing to either extend or trade him would rank among the worst front-office decisions in franchise history.
There’s now an expectation that a trade could happen, and if it does, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are likely to emerge as the leading contenders for the left-hander.
According to Mike Axisa: “Assuming Skubal returns from surgery without any issues, he’d instantly become the best available pitcher and the best overall player on the trade market if the Tigers make him available. Every contender Yankees, Braves, Cubs, Dodgers, Padres, etc. would pursue him. The bidding war would be intense.”
The Yankees and Dodgers operate with a financial and strategic mindset unlike any other teams in baseball. If both pursue a starter of Skubal’s caliber and he is genuinely available, the Tigers would find themselves in an exceptionally strong negotiating position.
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