MLB Exec: Tarik Skubal a ‘Game-Changer’ at Trade Deadline; Tigers Could Get ‘a Haul’

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJuly 24, 2024

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The Detroit Tigers would reportedly “get a haul in return” for starting pitcher Tarik Skubal should they trade him.

“Skubal would be a game-changer for so many teams,” a National League executive told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. “I’m not sure why the Tigers would trade him, but if they do, they’re going to get a haul in return.”

The 27-year-old Skubal is 11-3 with a 2.34 ERA (0.92 WHIP) over 20 starts, striking out 146 batters over 123 innings.

He’s undisputedly one of MLB’s best starting pitchers this season and under team control through the 2026 season, so it’s no surprise that Skubal would have plenty of interest from other teams.

Of course, there’s also the question of why Detroit would want to trade him. The 50-52 Tigers are unlikely to make the playoffs sitting six-and-a-half games behind in the American League wild card picture, but there’s two-plus months left in the season and the team certainly isn’t out of it yet.

Also, Detroit’s future appears bright on paper. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter ranked the Tigers’ farm system ninth in the bigs, and MLB.com has four Tiger prospects in its top 63, including outfielder Max Clark at No. 10 and right-handed pitcher Jackson Jobe at No. 11. A future with Skubal as the team’s backbone and ace looks likes a bright one.

On the flip side, if Skubal would return a “haul,” then Detroit should at least consider offers and see if there’s one they can’t refuse. The Tigers aren’t in position to be contending for a World Series right now even with Skubal fronting the rotation, so perhaps there’s a desperate team out there willing to sell the farm for the ace.

As for the chances that he leaves, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported on July 21 that “it’s a longshot that Skubal will be traded.”

However, he also added that the “Tigers are listening, and have told teams they will move him only if they are overwhelmed by an offer.” In addition, Detroit is reportedly “engaged in talks” with both the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Baltimore and L.A. are both fighting for a World Series, so maybe one of them flinches and gives Detroit that overwhelming offer. But at the moment, it seems more likely than not that Skubal stays in town past the July 30 trade deadline.