The Detroit Tigers are heading into a pivotal offseason, and while they’re not expected to be major players in the free agent market, they’re still drawing plenty of attention around the league - and it all centers on one name: Tarik Skubal.
Skubal, the two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner, is entering the final year of team control before hitting free agency. That naturally raises the question: Could the Tigers move him now and cash in on his peak value? According to ESPN insiders Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel, the answer is a resounding no - or at least, not likely.
Despite speculation from several front offices that Skubal could be on the move, Detroit’s stance has been firm. The Tigers have shown no signs of entertaining offers for their ace, and Passan and McDaniel peg the likelihood of a trade at just 10%. That’s about as close to “not happening” as it gets in MLB trade chatter.
And honestly, it makes sense. The Tigers are eyeing 2026 as their window to contend, and Skubal is the kind of pitcher you build around, not move on from. Trading him now would send the exact opposite message - that the rebuild is still in full swing, rather than nearing its payoff.
Skubal isn’t just a frontline starter - he’s the kind of ace who gives you a shot every fifth day, the type of pitcher who can change a postseason series. If Detroit believes the rest of the roster can take a step forward, then keeping Skubal for one more season is a gamble worth taking.
Of course, there’s always the possibility of a team coming in with an offer too good to pass up. But that would likely require a massive overpay - and for just one season of control.
No team is going to give up a haul of top-tier prospects or major league talent without some assurance they can keep Skubal long-term. And with his impending free agency, that’s a tough bet to make.
So for now, the Tigers are holding their ground. They’re not shopping Skubal, and unless something dramatic changes, he’ll be wearing the Old English “D” on Opening Day. It’s a calculated move - one that signals Detroit is serious about turning the corner in 2026.
If the rest of the roster can rise to the occasion, Skubal gives them a legitimate shot to make noise. And if they fall short?
Well, then the Tigers will have a tough decision to make next winter. But for now, the message is clear: Detroit isn’t ready to let go of its ace just yet.