Detroit Tigers’ president of baseball operations, Scott Harris, has indicated that he anticipates Tarik Skubal will pitch for the team in 2026. However, that expectation has not deterred Harris from entertaining trade discussions regarding the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
The Tigers have already extended a contract offer to Skubal, but according to sources, it fell significantly short of what Skubal and his representative, Scott Boras, would consider acceptable. Now, Skubal’s camp is awaiting a more lucrative proposal from Detroit, with expectations set high, including the possibility of surpassing Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s remarkable 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers.
Boras has a history of allowing his clients to reach free agency just a year before they are eligible, a strategy that has often proven successful. Ongoing conversations between Skubal’s representatives and the Tigers are expected as the offseason unfolds.
Since making his return in the middle of the 2023 season following flexor tendon surgery, Skubal has demonstrated exceptional performance, sporting a 2.39 ERA over 77 starts and 467 2/3 innings. He has averaged 11 strikeouts per nine innings while keeping walks to about 1.6 per nine during this stretch. His postseason performance is equally impressive, with a 2.04 ERA in six starts.
Despite Skubal’s impressive form, the Tigers may be hesitant to commit to a contract exceeding $400 million for any player. If they determine that such an investment is unwarranted, trading Skubal this offseason becomes essential. Waiting could diminish his trade value considerably, yielding only draft pick compensation if he walks away next offseason.
In the event of a trade, several teams could present attractive options, exemplifying the kind of valuable return the Tigers might seek. For instance, the Los Angeles Dodgers could offer promising pitchers Emmet Sheehan and Justin Wrobleski, along with minor league talents like Jackson Ferris and Zyhir Hope. The Boston Red Sox could propose a combination including Connelly Early, Kristian Campbell, and Jhostynxon García, bolstering their rotation with left-handed strength.
The New York Mets possess the necessary resources and could package RHP Jonah Tong and RHP Brandon Sproat, who both have considerable upside. The Seattle Mariners could start their bid with RHP Bryce Miller, alongside an assortment of talented minor leaguers. Lastly, the New York Yankees might suggest a deal that includes outfield prospect Spencer Jones and RHP Will Warren, who could step into a leading role immediately.
Each of these hypothetical moves involves substantial negotiations but reflects the intensity around securing Skubal, who is recognized as one of MLB’s most impactful pitchers. The impending decision by the Tigers between retaining or trading such a transformative player will significantly shape their future, and most analysts seem to agree that leveraging Skubal in a trade this offseason could be in the team’s best interest.