Trade or Extend? The Tigers’ Tarik Skubal Decision

The Detroit Tigers are coming fresh off their second consecutive ALDS Game Five exit and now face a potentially franchise-altering decision regarding their southpaw ace and soon-to-be two-time Cy Young Award winner, Tarik Skubal .

Skubal has easily been one of, if not the most, dominant starters in the sport over the past several seasons. This year, bidding for his second Cy Young campaign, Skubal posted a 13–6 record with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts in 195 1/3 innings. His consistency, command, and ability to overpower hitters have made him one of the most feared pitchers in the American League, and his value on the open market continues to rise.

Skubal is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season, and the Tigers are doing their due diligence in attempting to extend their star pitcher. However, according to the New York Post , there is a $250 million gap in negotiations between Skubal’s camp—led by superstar agent Scott Boras—and the Tigers’ front office. The organization now faces a defining choice: run it back with their ace one more time in pursuit of a World Series, or trade him while his value is at its peak and bring in significant capital for the future.

The Tigers should absolutely try to trade Skubal, because unless the front office truly opens up its pocketbooks, there is little to no chance that Skubal will remain a Tiger beyond 2026. Knowing this, Detroit must act like a smart front office and maximize its return while it still can. Rumors have already been swirling about teams looking to add an ace-type pitcher like Skubal—including the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and Boston Red Sox. All three teams need another big-time starter and possess the prospect depth to put together a strong trade package to acquire him.

The Mets have an abundance of young pitching that could be appealing to the Tigers. It will likely take both Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat , and it will probably take outfield prospect Jett Williams , and possibly even more, to get Skubal. The Mets are expected to be among the most aggressive in the process of acquiring Skubal.

On Baseball Night in New York, @sal_licata , @NYNJHarper , @DPLennon & @KeithRaad discuss the challenges of the Tigers potentially dealing Tarik Skubal, including the pros and cons for keeping him for a year and what that entails

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The Mariners are starting their ascension to the top of the AL West, and adding Skubal would only boost their chances to win a World Series. For Seattle, it would take a hit, giving up prospects like shortstop Colt Emerson , right-hander Bryce Miller , and left-hander Kade Anderson . This would give the Tigers some much-needed offense, as well as two arms with a lot of potential for their future.

The Red Sox are looking for a top-end starter, and Skubal would fit them perfectly. This might be on the fever-dream side of the ledger since Craig Breslow has been shy in his early tenure to pull the trigger on a major trade, even though he brought in Garrett Crochet last winter. A package could consist of lefty Payton Tolle , righty Cooper Criswell , and utility man Marcelo Mayer .

If the Tigers play their cards right, a Skubal deal could reshape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come—potentially replenishing their farm system while opening a new competitive window in the process.

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