Full Breakdown
Detroit Tigers Weigh Trading Two-Time Cy Young Winner Tarik Skubal
5/23/2026, 1:15:53 PM
Core Event: Trade Rumors Surge as Tigers Slip
The Detroit Tigers, 20-31 and last in the AL Central, have become the focus of trade speculation surrounding left-hander Tarik Skubal. After a 14-loss stretch, MLB insiders say “Skubal trade chances are rising.”
Background & Skubal’s Injury
Skubal entered the injured list on May 4 after a NanoScope procedure removed loose bodies from his left elbow, an operation expected to sideline him two to three months. Detroit’s record fell to 20-31, a 2-14 slump since his IL placement.
Skubal’s Performance and Health Update
Before the injury, Skubal posted a 2.70 ERA (2.11 FIP) over seven starts, 43.1 innings and 45 strikeouts, establishing him as a two-time Cy Young winner. By mid-May he was throwing multi-inning bullpen sessions, saying he “hit” his target velocity.
Executive Valuations & Financial Hurdles
Three anonymous MLB executives outlined possible returns: one suggested a top-100 prospect, a top-15 prospect and an additional throw-in; another floated two top-10 prospects; a third proposed a top-50 and a top-100, possibly a top-10 plus a fringe top-100 and 1-2 throw-ins. Executives warned that acquiring Skubal requires covering roughly $12-14 million of his salary, a cost many clubs lack mid-season.
Official Statements & Responses
Jon Heyman and Bob Nightengale tweeted that trade interest intensified after the Tigers were swept by the Cleveland Guardians. Dodgers analyst Doug McKain said the club “would be in the market for Tarik Skubal” if a starter were needed. Detroit added free-agent Framber Valdez on a three-year, $115 million contract.
Criticism & Opposition
Local fans warn that trading Skubal for a “lottery ticket” of prospects could repeat the 2016-17 “paltry returns” and alienate the base, while some analysts argue any return beats losing him for nothing given a $400 million free-agency market.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Executives differ on whether a top-10, top-15 or top-100 prospect is required, and Skubal’s exact return timeline remains unclear, leaving teams uncertain about his availability for the season’s remainder.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a certain velocity I was trying to get to today,” — Tarik Skubal, pitcher
- “Tarik Skubal trade chances are rising.” — Jon Heyman, MLB insider
- “The Padres will.” — Anonymous MLB executive
- “it’s tough for a team to just come up with the close to $12-14 million he will be owed after a trade that isn’t budgeted for,” — Anonymous MLB executive
What’s Next
With the Tigers’ record slipping and Skubal’s recovery ahead, the next two weeks will determine whether Detroit packages prospects before the deadline or retains the ace for a potential late-season push. The outcome will shape both Detroit’s rebuilding timeline and the market for one of baseball’s most coveted pitchers.
