Whereas there is no such thing as a assure that the Detroit Tigers will commerce two-time American League Cy Younger Award winner Tarik Skubal this offseason (or any time for that matter), there’s a method the lack of Skubal could be a “disaster” for the group, in line with one MLB agent.
In an article for ESPN.com, Kiley McDaniel walked via the potential situations the place the Tigers would both commerce Skubal this offseason, commerce him on the 2026 commerce deadline or hold him and attempt to resign him as he turns into a free agent after the 2026 season. It is a chance that the Tigers might lose him in any of the three situations, however the one that’s the worst could be an absolute nightmare for Detroit.
The “disaster” could be if the Tigers determine to carry on to Skubal this offseason and hold him right through the 2026 commerce deadline, considering Detroit will make the postseason. Nevertheless, if the Tigers hold him all season and do not attain October, Skubal might stroll away from Detroit with the Tigers receiving nothing however a possible compensation choose (by way of a qualifying provide) within the following MLB Draft.
“You can not, below any circumstances, maintain Skubal via the commerce deadline and miss the playoffs. That will be a disaster,” an nameless agent informed McDaniel.
Whereas the potential for Skubal’s return to go up at a midseason commerce versus an offseason deal is larger, it additionally brings danger as effectively. Accidents are all the time an element as is Detroit eyeing a run to the postseason however stumbling within the later a part of the season as the Tigers did in 2025.
After all, then again, the longer Skubal stays in Detroit, the longer the Tigers have an opportunity to persuade the 29-year-old southpaw that the remaining years of his prime on the mound needs to be spent within the Motor Metropolis.
There are many variables at play on the subject of Skubal’s future, together with the potential of a piece stoppage after this season with the present Collective Bargaining Settlement set to run out. As McDaniel factors out, with Skubal represented by Scott Boras, it is “unlikely he’ll signal a deal with out at the very least testing the market, as Boras sometimes advises purchasers to hit free company.”
If the Tigers see that is the route Skubal is heading, dealing him on the commerce deadline could be a tricky determination, particularly if the Tigers are displaying effectively within the AL Central. Nevertheless, it might be the best way to make sure some form of return for Skubal if there was any likelihood he leaves.
Outdoors of signing a long-term deal, there is no such thing as a excellent consequence for the Tigers and Skubal. Nevertheless, there are layers of ache to the opposite situations that might be awaiting Detroit as MLB’s winter conferences and subsequent season approaches.
