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Tigers Set to Trade Ace Tarik Skubal at Deadline

5/28/2026

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Summary

Skubal Trade

The Detroit Tigers are expected to trade ace pitcher Tarik Skubal at the 2026 deadline.
Skubal is on a 15-day IL after elbow surgery and earns $32 million.
Detroit will seek multiple prospects, with the Chicago Cubs a probable trade partner.
Analyst Rosenthal says the Mets prefer to chase Skubal in free agency, a move that could see him join the Dodgers, Padres, Yankees or Blue Jays if traded.

Summary

Skubal Deal

The Tigers would retain a portion of Skubal’s one-year, $32 million contract if he is dealt as a short-term rental.
With Skubal gone after his May 6 elbow surgery, left-hander Casey Mize, who posted a 2.38 ERA over nine starts, is expected to become Detroit’s primary starter.
An anonymous American League executive said the Milwaukee Brewers could be a trade partner, noting their history of acquiring veteran arms like Zack Greinke and CC Sabathia.

History

Historical Context

In July 2008 the Cleveland Indians sent ace pitcher CC Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers for prospects Matt LaPorta, Zach Jackson, Rob Bryson and later Michael Brantley. The move, the Brewers’ biggest mid-season acquisition since their 1997 shift to the National League, helped Milwaukee clinch its first wild-card berth since 1982; Sabathia finished the season 17-10 with a 2.70 ERA.

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Skubal Trade

The Detroit Tigers are expected to trade ace pitcher Tarik Skubal at the 2026 deadline.
Skubal is on a 15-day IL after elbow surgery and earns $32 million.
Detroit will seek multiple prospects, with the Chicago Cubs a probable trade partner.
Analyst Rosenthal says the Mets prefer to chase Skubal in free agency, a move that could see him join the Dodgers, Padres, Yankees or Blue Jays if traded.

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