Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Tigers Keep Skubal Amid Trade Rumors After Rays Sweep

6/4/2026

28 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Detroit Tigers said they will not trade left-hander Tarik Skubal (LHP).
Skubal, on injured list since April 29 after May 6 elbow surgery, posted a 3-2 record, 2.70 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 43.1 innings before a mid-June return.
He has a $32 million contract with $9 million left before the Aug. 3 deadline, attracting interest from the Dodgers, Yankees and Braves, while the Tigers’ sweep of the AL-leading Rays may shape trade talks.

History

Historical Context

The Tigers’ reluctance to trade left-hander Tarik Skubal echoes a long-standing MLB trade-deadline tradition. Since the 1986 Basic Agreement set the July 31 deadline, an additional August 31 waiver deadline governed trades until it was removed in 2019. Commissioner Bud Selig oversaw the era, and Detroit’s 2024 decision mirrors the league’s historic effort to balance competition and payroll flexibility.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Detroit Tigers said they will not trade left-hander Tarik Skubal (LHP).
Skubal, on injured list since April 29 after May 6 elbow surgery, posted a 3-2 record, 2.70 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 43.1 innings before a mid-June return.
He has a $32 million contract with $9 million left before the Aug. 3 deadline, attracting interest from the Dodgers, Yankees and Braves, while the Tigers’ sweep of the AL-leading Rays may shape trade talks.

1 / 2