What's happened
Detroit Tigers' pitcher Tarik Skubal, a two-time AL Cy Young winner, is expected to be traded this offseason. The team is considering moving him before his contract expires, with interest from teams like the Mets and Dodgers. Skubal's recent dominance makes him a highly sought-after asset.
What's behind the headline?
The potential trade of Tarik Skubal signals a strategic shift for the Tigers, who are balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term asset management. Skubal's recent performance—posting a 2.21 ERA and striking out 241 batters in 2025—makes him a prime target for contending teams seeking a Game 1 starter. Detroit's management, led by Scott Harris, emphasizes organizational flexibility, stating there are no untouchable players. This approach suggests Skubal's trade is likely, especially given the team's financial constraints and the absence of a clear path to contention without significant roster upgrades. The decision hinges on whether the Tigers believe they can replace his production or if they prefer to maximize value through a trade now, potentially acquiring multiple prospects or established players. The risk is losing a top-tier pitcher for draft picks if he leaves in free agency, but the reward could be a substantial haul of assets that accelerate the team's rebuild. The upcoming season will be pivotal in determining whether Detroit commits to a rebuild or attempts to contend with Skubal in the fold.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that the Tigers are leaning toward trading Skubal, citing comments from team president Scott Harris about organizational flexibility and the likelihood of a trade. ESPN highlights that Skubal's performance—posting a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts in 2025—makes him a highly coveted asset, with teams like the Mets and Dodgers showing interest. AP News notes that Tigers manager AJ Hinch remains focused on Skubal's potential to win another Cy Young and has not publicly dismissed the possibility of losing him, emphasizing the team's current focus on winning. The articles collectively suggest that while the Tigers value Skubal highly, their organizational strategy prioritizes flexibility and asset accumulation, making a trade probable.
How we got here
Tarik Skubal, 29, has been a key pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, posting a 2.21 ERA in 2025 and establishing himself as one of the top pitchers in baseball. The Tigers are now weighing whether to trade him, as he enters his final team-controlled season and could command a record-breaking contract if he hits free agency. The team’s management has indicated openness to trades, citing a need to improve the organization and the absence of untouchable players.
Go deeper
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The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball as a member of the American League Central division.
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Tarik Daniel Skubal (born November 20, 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was selected by the Tigers in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB draft and made his MLB debut in 2020. In...