With the MLB trade deadline less than two weeks away, Tarik Skubal continues to be one of the biggest names generating speculation around baseball. While the Detroit Tigers remain in the American League Wild Card race, rival executives believe the club is at least exploring what it would take to move its ace.
According to a report from The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, Detroit’s asking price would be anything but ordinary.
Tigers Would Want a Major League Starter in Return
Rather than pursuing a traditional prospect-heavy package, the report suggests the Tigers would likely insist on receiving a controllable Major League starting pitcher along with multiple premium prospects if they were to part with Skubal.
The idea would be to “thread the needle,” an industry term used when a team attempts to remain competitive in the present while also improving its long-term outlook.
A pitcher acquired in the deal would immediately slide into Detroit’s rotation, even if replacing Skubal’s production would be nearly impossible.
Among the types of young starters mentioned in the report are names such as Emmet Sheehan (Dodgers), Logan Henderson (Brewers), Andrew Painter (Phillies), Ian Seymour (Rays), JR Ritchie or AJ Smith-Shawver (Braves), and Will Warren or Ryan Weathers (Yankees).
Skubal Would Be Nearly Impossible to Replace
Even with a controllable starter coming back, the Tigers would almost certainly take a step backward on the mound.
Skubal has once again established himself as one of baseball’s premier pitchers. Since returning from elbow surgery earlier this season, he has posted a 2.97 ERA while continuing to anchor Detroit’s rotation.
Simply put, there isn’t another pitcher likely to be available who can match what Skubal brings every fifth day.
Detroit Must Balance Today With Tomorrow
The timing makes the situation especially fascinating.
Heading into Wednesday, the Tigers are 5 games behind the final American League Wild Card spot. Trading their ace while remaining firmly in postseason contention would significantly impact their chances of making a deep October run.
At the same time, Skubal is scheduled to become a free agent after the season. If Detroit believes it cannot sign him to a long-term extension, maximizing his value before the deadline becomes a conversation worth having.
No Indication a Trade Is Imminent
The report makes clear that the Tigers have not decided to move Skubal.
Instead, the front office continues to evaluate every possible scenario as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches. One potential path would involve acquiring a controllable starter who can help immediately while also adding high-end prospects to strengthen the organization for years to come.
Whether Detroit ultimately chooses that route may depend on two factors: where the club sits in the standings over the next several days and whether another organization is willing to meet what appears to be an enormous asking price.
For now, one thing is certain. If a team wants Tarik Skubal, it will have to pay for both the present and the future.
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