MLB Rumors: Tarik Skubal Unlikely to Be Traded by Tigers amid Dodgers Links
The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and with it comes a whirlwind of speculation and rumors. One of the hottest names swirling in the rumor mill is Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The Los Angeles Dodgers, in desperate need of pitching depth, have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the young left-hander, but recent reports suggest that a trade may be unlikely.
ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez has reported that the Tigers are more likely to make starting pitcher Jack Flaherty available before the July 30 deadline. Flaherty, a pending free agent, signed a one-year, $14 million “prove it” deal with the Tigers this past winter. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistent performance and injury history make him a more expendable asset than Skubal.
Gonzalez’s report comes on the heels of Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci’s report that the Dodgers were interested in putting a trade package together for Skubal. Verducci’s source, however, expressed doubt about the Tigers’ willingness to trade Skubal, adding that “everything has a price.” This suggests that the Tigers are not completely opposed to trading Skubal, but they would likely demand a hefty return for the young ace.
While the Tigers haven’t officially ruled out trading Skubal, the fact that they have him under team control through the end of the 2026 campaign gives them ample time to assess his value and explore potential trade scenarios. They are not under significant pressure to move him before the deadline, especially considering their current position in the AL Central. With a 48-50 record, the Tigers trail the first-place Cleveland Guardians by 12 games and are six games behind the Boston Red Sox for the final wild card spot. It’s still early in the race, but the Tigers may be more inclined to hold onto Skubal and see if they can make a late playoff push.
- Detroit Tigers are unlikely to trade Tarik Skubal amid interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Reports suggest Tigers may make Jack Flaherty available for trade before the deadline instead of Skubal.
- Tigers value Skubal highly due to his exceptional talent and being a cornerstone piece for their future.
- Skubal, at 27 years old, is having a career year and is a leading contender for the AL Cy Young Award.
- Tigers have Skubal under team control through the end of the 2026 season, giving them time to assess his value.
- While not ruling out a trade, Tigers would demand a significant return for Skubal due to his potential and performance.
- Tigers’ current position in the AL Central standings may influence their decision to keep Skubal and aim for a late playoff push.
Why the Tigers Are Unlikely to Move Skubal
The Tigers’ reluctance to trade Skubal stems from his exceptional talent and the fact that he is a cornerstone piece of their future. At just 27 years old, Skubal is in the midst of a career year, having been selected to his first All-Star game. He is a leading contender for the American League Cy Young Award with a 10-3 record, a league-leading 2.41 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 140 strikeouts in 116 innings pitched.
Skubal’s dominance is even more impressive considering that he missed the first half of the 2023 season due to flexor tendon surgery. Upon his return, he was equally impressive, going 7-3 with a 2.80 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 102 strikeouts in 80.1 innings. His ability to rebound from a significant injury and perform at such a high level speaks volumes about his talent, durability, and resilience.
The Tigers have invested heavily in Skubal’s development, and he is a valuable asset to their organization both on and off the field. His presence in the rotation gives them a competitive edge, and his leadership qualities make him a positive influence in the clubhouse. Trading him would be a significant loss for the Tigers, especially considering that they are still in the early stages of their rebuilding process.
The Dodgers’ Desperate Need for Pitching
The Dodgers’ interest in Skubal is driven by their desperate need for pitching depth. Their starting rotation has been decimated by injuries, with key players like Tyler Glasnow, Walker Buehler, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, and Michael Grove all currently sidelined. While Kershaw is on a rehab assignment and could return soon, the Dodgers are still thin in the rotation, forcing manager Dave Roberts to rely on unproven starters like Gavin Stone, James Paxton, and Landon Knack.
Skubal would be a tremendous asset for the Dodgers, providing them with a proven, high-caliber starter who could help them solidify their dominance in the NL West. He would instantly become a key piece of their pitching staff, giving them the depth and experience they need to make a serious run at the World Series. However, the Dodgers’ pursuit of Skubal may be complicated by the Tigers’ reluctance to trade him, and the potential cost of acquiring him may be too high for the Dodgers to stomach.
Alternative Targets for the Dodgers
If the Dodgers are unable to acquire Skubal, they will likely turn their attention to other starting pitchers available on the trade market. Gonzalez has listed Jack Flaherty, Erick Fedde of the Chicago White Sox, Zach Eflin of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Yusei Kikuchi of the Toronto Blue Jays as potential targets for the Dodgers.
Flaherty, as mentioned earlier, is a pending free agent and could be a more affordable option for the Dodgers. Fedde, Eflin, and Kikuchi are all talented starters who could provide valuable innings for the Dodgers, but they may not be the same caliber of pitcher as Skubal. The Dodgers will need to weigh the cost of acquiring these players against their potential impact and determine whether they are willing to part with the necessary assets to make a deal.
The MLB trade deadline is always a busy time, and this year is no exception. The Tigers’ decision on whether or not to trade Skubal will have a significant impact on the playoff race, and the Dodgers’ pursuit of pitching depth will be a major storyline to watch as the deadline approaches. Stay tuned for more updates as the trade rumors continue to swirl.
