Tigers Fans, Take a Breath: Tarik Skubal Isn’t Going Anywhere-Yet
If you’ve been following the Tarik Skubal trade chatter this offseason, it probably feels like déjà vu. The same rumors, the same speculation, the same “sources” popping up every few days.
It’s easy to feel like you’ve seen this movie before-and you already know how it ends. But here’s the reality: the Tigers’ ace is still in Detroit, and for now, that’s exactly where he’s expected to be when the 2026 season kicks off.
Yes, the noise around Skubal has been loud. And yes, it’s tempting to tune it all out until something actually happens.
But here’s the thing-despite all the buzz, there’s no clear sign the Tigers are actively shopping their top arm. In fact, all signs point to the opposite.
Skubal Is Still the Tigers’ Ace-And That Matters
Skubal has done everything right this offseason. He’s said the right things, kept his focus on the field, and by all accounts, he’s set to take the ball on Opening Day.
That alone should calm some nerves in Detroit. But we get it-fans are still skeptical, especially after a 2025 season that saw the team fade down the stretch and miss the postseason.
While the Tigers haven’t made a splashy move yet, it’s not like the rest of the American League is running away with the offseason either. Outside of Toronto, which has been aggressive, most of the AL is in a holding pattern.
Seattle brought back Josh Naylor but hasn’t added much else. Boston signed Sonny Gray, but that’s essentially a one-for-one swap with Lucas Giolito.
The Yankees? Quiet.
The AL Central? Still very much up for grabs.
So even if it feels like Detroit is standing still, the league around them hasn’t exactly taken a giant leap forward. That’s important context when evaluating the Tigers’ offseason so far.
The Tigers Are Spending-And They’re Not Done Yet
Let’s not ignore the moves that have been made. Gleyber Torres accepted the qualifying offer, Kyle Finnegan is back on a multi-year deal, and Kenley Jansen is now anchoring the bullpen (with a club option for 2027). That’s over $40 million committed to three veterans who can help right now.
That’s not the behavior of a team looking to rebuild or punt on 2026. That’s a front office trying to win-and trying to win with Tarik Skubal leading the rotation.
And there’s more. Detroit is reportedly in the mix for Ketel Marte, one of the better bats still on the market.
Sure, his positional fit is a bit murky with Torres back, but offensively, he’d be a huge boost to a lineup that needs more punch. The Tigers are also linked to Michael King and Pete Fairbanks-two arms that could significantly upgrade the rotation and bullpen, respectively.
King would bring swing-and-miss stuff to the starting five, while Fairbanks is one of the more electric relievers still available.
None of those deals are done yet, but the Tigers are clearly active. And if they can land even one of those names, it changes the complexion of this roster.
Keeping Skubal Isn’t Just Sentimental-It’s Strategic
Let’s be clear: Tarik Skubal is more than just a fan favorite. He’s one of the best pitchers in the American League, and the kind of arm you build a contender around. Trading him wouldn’t just hurt the rotation-it would send a message that the Tigers are still stuck in a cycle of tearing down instead of building up.
That’s why the front office has to be careful. Yes, if another team comes in with a monster offer-something that blows the Tigers away-they’ll have to consider it. But Scott Harris also has to weigh the impact on the clubhouse, the fanbase, and the overall direction of the franchise.
And make no mistake: Skubal wants to win. He’s a competitor.
A record-setting contract might be on the horizon, but the chance to chase a title matters, too. If Detroit can show him they’re serious about contending, that could go a long way in keeping him beyond 2026.
The Real Plan? Win Now, Then Worry About the Future
Here’s the most telling part of Detroit’s offseason strategy: most of the additions are short-term. Torres is on a one-year deal.
Jansen’s only guaranteed through 2026. Finnegan is signed through 2027, but that’s it.
These aren’t the kind of moves you make if you’re planning to trade your ace and start over.
This feels like a team that’s trying to make a run in 2026-with Skubal leading the charge-and then figure out the long-term picture next winter. That’s a smart approach, especially in an American League that doesn’t have a clear juggernaut outside of Toronto.
So, could Skubal still be traded? Sure. But until that happens, the Tigers are operating like a team that plans to keep him, build around him, and maybe-just maybe-make a real postseason push.
Bottom Line: Don’t Buy Into the Panic
Tigers fans have every right to be cautious. They’ve seen stars come and go.
They’ve endured rebuilds, near-misses, and false starts. But this situation with Skubal isn’t a rerun of past heartbreaks.
At least, not yet.
There’s still a lot of offseason left, and Detroit is very much in the thick of things. The roster needs more work-another bat, another starter, more bullpen depth-but the foundation is there. And more importantly, so is Skubal.
So instead of bracing for the worst, maybe it’s time to start hoping for the best. Because if the Tigers can land one or two more key pieces, and if they keep their ace in town, they’ll enter 2026 as a legitimate threat in a wide-open American League.
And that’s a storyline worth watching all the way to the final act.