The Detroit Tigers once again figure to be at the center of the MLB trade deadline as several teams are interested in the potential availability of Tarik Skubal.
The left-handed ace is due to become a free agent after the 2026 season, which is fueling a belief the Tigers will move forward with a Skubal trade before the Aug. 3 deadline. Particularly when taking into account their place in the American League Central standings despite a recent winning streak.
According to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, Skubal acknowledged the Tigers’ struggles could lead to plenty of trade activity not only involving himself but others on the team as well.
“The reality of the situation is, we need to play better baseball,” Skubal said Tuesday morning in the visitors’ clubhouse inside Daikin Park. “I’ve said that before and I’ll continue to say that. My belief in this group has never changed. But the reality is we need to play better baseball or else come the deadline, you give the front office an option to reassess where this team is.
“And if they don’t think what we have is a World Series- or playoff-caliber team, then the whole team is going to look different. That’s just the nature of the beast.”
Earlier this month it was reported the Tigers had been turning away teams attempting to engage them on talks for a Skubal trade. At the time the 29-year-old was still working his way back from having the NanoNeedle procedure to remove a loose body from his left elbow.
The Los Angele Dodgers have been among the teams connected to Skubal trade speculation in the past. They presumably will check in with Detroit at some point, but it may not be likely that president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman would take part in a bidding war for the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
Tarik Skubal’s return from elbow surgery
Skubal was back in the Tigers rotation a mere five weeks after having surgery, and he’s already made two starts. Skubal has allowed multiple runs in both outings and is yet to complete six innings since returning.
He nevertheless will be highly sought after should the Tigers decide to move forward with a trade.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
