Story perspectives

Tigers Near Dodgers Deal for Pitcher Skubal, $400M Potential

5/23/2026

Summary

Skubal Trade

MLB insiders Bob Nightengale and Jon Heyman said on May 21 the Tigers will likely trade Tarik Skubal before the Aug 3 deadline.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the target, with possible prospects Emmet Sheehan, Alex Freeland, Jackson Ferris and Christian Zazueta.
Skubal entered the injured list on May 4 after a NanoScope procedure that removed bodies from his left elbow.
He is in the final year of his contract.
He could command a free-agent deal over $400 million.

Summary

Skubal Secures Deal

Arbitration panel approved Tarik Skubal’s $32 million 2026 salary request, rejecting Detroit’s $19 million offer.
Detroit signed left-hander Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract as Skubal’s backup.
Skubal’s less-invasive NanoScope elbow surgery enabled a multi-inning bullpen session at target velocity.
Manager AJ Hinch said Skubal will skip a rehab start and could return in June.
Any acquiring team would still owe $12-14 million of Skubal’s salary.

History

Historical Context

After the 1994 strike, the 1996 collective-bargaining agreement introduced MLB’s first luxury-tax system, and the New York Yankees have since paid about $325 million in taxes, the largest share of all teams. Facing similar fiscal pressure, the Detroit Tigers’ $400 million valuation of pitcher Tarik Skubal and a potential trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers illustrate how the tax continues to shape roster decisions.

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Skubal Trade

MLB insiders Bob Nightengale and Jon Heyman said on May 21 the Tigers will likely trade Tarik Skubal before the Aug 3 deadline.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the target, with possible prospects Emmet Sheehan, Alex Freeland, Jackson Ferris and Christian Zazueta.
Skubal entered the injured list on May 4 after a NanoScope procedure that removed bodies from his left elbow.
He is in the final year of his contract.
He could command a free-agent deal over $400 million.

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