Tigers expected by rival GMs to make risky Tarik Skubal trade decision

Tigers expected by rival GMs to make risky Tarik Skubal trade decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Detroit Tigers have a very tricky decision to make at the 2026 MLB trade deadline this summer. Do they keep or trade away Tarik Skubal by the August 3 deadline?

That question is not an easy one to answer, and there are pros and cons for both outcomes. While the Tigers haven't made a decision yet, there is some belief from rival MLB executives about what decision is coming for the Tigers.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, rival executives believe the Tigers are going to make the risky decision to trade Skubal at the deadline, while still trying to convince the team they're contenders.

Tigers might try to trade Tarik Skubal but still compete, per rival execs

"Some rival GMs believe that even though the Detroit Tigers have climbed into the wild-card race, they will still trade two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, while trying to convince their players and fan base that they are not surrendering," Nightengale writes.

This is a very risky decision for the Tigers, well beyond simply trading away Skubal at the 2026 MLB trade deadline.

Moving on from Skubal, a back-to-back Cy Young winner, is a very risky decision. If they lose Skubal, and the players they get back in return aren't any good, then the Tigers are bound to face harsh criticism for trading their ace.

But, with the Tigers expected by rival general managers to try and still compete even after trading Skubal, there is a lot of risk involved there.

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If Detroit trades Skubal, their World Series odds will take a huge hit, regardless of who they end up getting back in return for the left-handed ace.

Trading Skubal, but still trying to compete, doesn't really make much sense. If they trade Skubal, they should be looking to trade Casey Mize, Jack Flaherty, Kyle Finnegan, Gleyber Torres, and any other player not signed long-term.

Moving on from their best pitcher, one who could legitimately help them compete for a World Series title, while still trying to go on a deep postseason run, would be a very risky decision.

Such a plan would mean the Tigers are trying to get the best of both worlds. Instead, Detroit should either fully commit to a sell-off and keep Skubal or begin a fire sale by parting with Skubal to retool the roster with long-term players.

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