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Tigers rumors: MLB executives weigh in on Tarik Skubal trade possibility
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- Tigers rumors: MLB executives weigh in on Tarik Skubal trade possibility
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The Detroit Tigers continue to draw attention across baseball as speculation builds that they might deal ace Tarik Skubal before the 2026 MLB trade deadline. With the Tigers tied with the Kansas City Royals at the bottom of the AL Central standings at 22-34, rival evaluators and front offices are watching how the club handles its fading postseason hopes and Skubal's long-term future.
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The reigning back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner remains one of the most valuable pitchers in the sport, even as he rehabs from elbow surgery earlier this month. The left-hander is entering the final year of his contract before reaching free agency after the 2026 season, making Detroit's decision one of the league's most closely monitored situations.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand wrote an article Thursday, where he gathered opinions from executives around MLB on whether the Tigers could consider moving Skubal if their season continues trending in the wrong direction. One National League executive framed the decision through the broader realities teams face at the deadline.
"Any club who finds themselves out of the postseason picture while carrying a star player on an expiring contract has to consider moving that player at the Deadline. That said, no one should count out Detroit yet. We're only one-third of the way through the season; there's a lot of baseball yet to be played."
Another American League executive offered a measured view of the current likelihood:
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"There's a chance [the Tigers will trade Skubal this summer], but I don't think it's probable."
"I always think there is a chance, but they would have to feel confident that they aren't going to be able to go on a run," the AL exec said. "And that the return would be significant enough to wave the proverbial white flag."
The comments reflect the complexity of Detroit's position . Skubal would bring back a monumental return, but trading him would also signal a major shift for a franchise that just snapped a decade‑long drought and made the playoffs in back‑to‑back seasons.
Related: Tigers' Kenley Jansen lands on IL after exiting Angels game
