Full Breakdown
Tarik Skubal Trade Looms as Detroit Tigers Consider Options
5/25/2026, 12:03:27 AM
Tigers Weigh Trading Ace Tarik Skubal
The Detroit Tigers (20-31, last in the AL Central) have entered the Aug 3 deadline with ace pitcher Tarik Skubal on the market. Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, is in the final year of a $32 million contract with $12-$14 million remaining and is returning from a NanoScope elbow procedure after seven starts (2.70 ERA, 45 K, 3-2 record).
Likely Bidders
Four clubs are likely bidders: the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres, all with payroll flexibility.
Trade Price Expectations
Executives say a deal may need “one top-100 prospect, a top-15 prospect and a throw-in,” or “a couple of top-10 prospects for a couple months of him,” with Detroit possibly retaining part of the salary.
Why It Matters
Detroit could restock its farm system; contenders could solidify a postseason push if the salary fits.
Official Statements & Responses
Bob Nightengale (USA Today) called the trade “inevitable,” noting four finalists can afford the contract remainder and will part with prized prospects. Joel Sherman (MLB Now) said the Tigers “have to decide in this period what to do with Skubal,” adding a trade could turn a losing season productive. Jon Heyman (New York Post) said the price is “steep enough to make a deal hard to complete,” and salary sharing could broaden bidders.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts warn the prospect haul and salary burden may limit bidders, calling Skubal a short-term rental.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on prospect tier—top-100 plus top-15 versus top-10 prospects—and on salary retention.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now that it’s becoming inevitable that the free-falling Detroit Tigers may have no choice but to trade two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal at the deadline, rival executives believe the bidding will come down to four finalists that not only can afford the remainder of his $32 million contract, but will also be willing to give up prized prospects,” — Bob Nightengale, USA Today
- “I do think the Tigers have to decide in this period what to do with Skubal,” — Joel Sherman, MLB Now
- “In other words, they'll have a bidding market for this, and they could get a good return and turn something bad this season into something good,” — Joel Sherman, MLB Now
- “One said a Skubal trade would likely require one top-100 prospect, a top-15 prospect and one more throw-in.” — Jon Heyman, The New York Post
What’s Next
The Aug 3 deadline approaches; Detroit will negotiate with the four bidders, and the deal hinges on meeting prospect and salary demands and Skubal’s trade value.
