With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Detroit Tigers continue to find themselves at the center of speculation surrounding ace Tarik Skubal. While many expected Detroit to hold onto one of baseball’s top pitchers, a new report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan offers fresh insight into the organization’s thinking. The latest update could have significant implications for both the Tigers and teams hoping to land one of the biggest names on the trade market.
MLB Insider Reveals Tigers’ Tarik Skubal Trade Decision
The Tigers entered the 2026 MLB season with very high expectations, but it has not gone as planned. Detroit sits six games back in the AL Central and four games out of the final spot in the Wild Card. Now, with under one week until the MLB trade deadline, the Tigers have reportedly decided on what to do with Skubal.
Rival MLB executives say that Detroit wants to trade Skubal, as reported by Passan on Sources Tell Jeff Passan. The question, according to rival executives, is whether the Tigers actually trade the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner. It likely means Detroit is not receiving the offers it wants for Skubal.
If the Tigers have decided to trade Skubal, they will likely go down this route in the coming days. After all, Detroit can’t make the decision to sell and not go forward with trading its best piece. Ultimately, the Tigers might have to settle and trade Skubal for a package they don’t believe matches his value.
It is going to be difficult, but the Tigers must trade Skubal if they have committed to the idea.
Why a Tarik Skubal Trade Would Be Difficult for the Detroit Tigers
Jun 24, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Detroit wanted to compete for the 2026 World Series, but it doesn’t appear that will be the case. With the Tigers wanting to trade Skubal, they likely have to do it at this point. However, it would be a difficult pill to swallow for everyone involved. After all, this wasn’t the expectation entering the 2026 MLB season.
If the Tigers knew this season would end up with selling at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, the organization would’ve moved Skubal before April. The 29-year-old ace pitcher would have brought back an even stronger package. Instead, Detroit won’t get as much as it would have during the last MLB offseason.
Scott Harris and the Tigers front office will still push for a major return. This might be the biggest issue, as Detroit will hope for an enormous trade package if it moves Skubal. There might have to be a middle ground reached if the Tigers want to trade Skubal. The gap in value between organizations will be strong.
This is an unfortunate development for the Tigers, but it might ultimately be the best path forward with Skubal.
What’s Next for the Tigers and Tarik Skubal?
Detroit wants to trade Skubal, and that has to be the direction moving forward now. If the Tigers want to move their ace pitcher and still contend, there is no way to make that realistic. Therefore, a major sell at the 2026 MLB trade deadline could be coming soon for the Tigers. As for Skubal, there will be a large number of suitors hoping to acquire his services in an effort to make the World Series.
Should the Detroit Tigers trade Tarik Skubal at the 2026 MLB trade deadline?
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Austin Konenski is a writer at Sportsnaut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA, and more. His work can also … More about Austin Konenski