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Tigers Hold Skubal Trade Talks Until Post-All-Star Break

6/15/2026

23 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Tigers Hold Skubal

Detroit Tigers will wait until the All-Star break to decide on trading Tarik Skubal.
Skubal posted a 2.83 ERA and returned Saturday after a NanoScope procedure.
Detroit posted a 7-3 June record after losing 21 of 25 games earlier.
The Tigers will assess chances before possibly moving Skubal at the Aug 3 deadline.
Los Angeles Dodgers are seen as the top trade partner, with the Cardinals, Blue Jays and Pirates also mentioned.

Summary

Skubal Wins Arbitration

Spencer Skubal won arbitration, securing a $32 million salary for 2026, above Detroit’s $19 million offer, and was praised by Scott Harris, who said club wants to win with him.
Skubal returned after an arthroscopic procedure that removed a loose body from his left elbow, recovering in 45 days.
Jack Flaherty’s left peroneal strain and Justin Verlander’s hip issue hurt the rotation, while Casey Mize is slated to return for the series finale.

History

Historical Context

After the 1975 Seitz decision ended baseball’s reserve clause and paved the way for free agency, the 1974 Catfish Hunter arbitration demonstrated the new system’s impact, while the 2011 collective-bargaining agreement set an arbitration-offer floor equal to the average of the 125 richest contracts. Tarik Skubal’s $32 million 2024 award shows how that framework now drives payroll decisions.

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Tigers Hold Skubal

Detroit Tigers will wait until the All-Star break to decide on trading Tarik Skubal.
Skubal posted a 2.83 ERA and returned Saturday after a NanoScope procedure.
Detroit posted a 7-3 June record after losing 21 of 25 games earlier.
The Tigers will assess chances before possibly moving Skubal at the Aug 3 deadline.
Los Angeles Dodgers are seen as the top trade partner, with the Cardinals, Blue Jays and Pirates also mentioned.

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