Tarik Skubal’s Future in Detroit? Tom Izzo Hopes to Help Keep the Tigers’ Ace Home
Tarik Skubal’s name has been swirling in trade rumors all offseason, and it’s not hard to see why. The Detroit Tigers’ ace is coming off back-to-back American League Cy Young Awards, and with just one year left on his current deal, the clock is ticking on his future in the Motor City.
But while the front office weighs its options-extend him or explore a blockbuster trade-Skubal himself seems to be enjoying a well-earned offseason. The left-hander was spotted courtside at Michigan State’s 79-70 win over Oakland on Saturday, soaking in the college hoops atmosphere. And according to Spartans head coach Tom Izzo, Skubal wasn’t just there for the basketball.
“Skubal was in our locker room,” Izzo told reporters after the game. “He came in the other day and said, ‘I get to come to this game, big game.’ Then he’s going to the Lions, he’s going to the Red Wings, and I think he’s going to the Pistons tonight.”
That’s a full Detroit sports tour-one that sounds more like a love letter to the city than a farewell.
Izzo, ever the motivator, has even enlisted his players in a light-hearted campaign to help keep Skubal in town.
“I tell my guys to hug and kiss him to keep him around,” Izzo joked. “So, maybe they will.”
Of course, the decision on Skubal’s future isn’t just about hugs and good vibes. The Tigers hold the cards for now, and a trade could still be on the table before the 2026 season begins.
But it’s not a done deal either. Detroit could pivot and open up long-term extension talks-if Skubal is interested in staying.
And that’s the million-dollar question: does Skubal want to stay in Detroit?
He hasn’t said much publicly, but his presence at local games and his clear connection to the city suggest he’s not in any rush to leave. That kind of hometown engagement doesn’t always mean a deal gets done-but it’s the kind of thing that can matter when decisions are being made behind closed doors.
For now, the Tigers have a Cy Young-winning ace, a fanbase that would love to see him stick around, and a college basketball legend doing his part to keep the city’s sports stars close to home.
Whether that’s enough to keep Skubal in the Old English D remains to be seen-but Detroit’s making its pitch, one hug at a time.