Key Points:
Tarik Skubal’s potential future with Detroit got an update
The Tigers will meet with other teams this December
The Yankees are rumored to be interested
The Detroit Tigers made it to the second round of the 2025 MLB Playoffs with Tarik Skubal taking on his familiar role as the team’s frontline starter.
The Tigers battled the Mariners to five games in the American League Divisional Series before falling 3-2 in a 15-inning Game 5.
On Thursday, a baseball reporter shared new information on a potential offseason trade of Skubal, who is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season.
The Tigers could make Skubal available for trade soon according to the reporter’s update.
Skubal to Be Dealt at Winter Meetings?
Major League Baseball’s 2025-26 Winter Meetings will be held in Orlando, Florida from Dec. 7-10 this year with the Rule 5 Draft included.
The Meetings are a chance for baseball front office members to mingle with each other and talk potential trades.
One name expected to come up on the Tigers’ side of things is Skubal, according to a report from Jim Bowden of The Athletic, who said the Tigers are “likely” to discuss trading him and the New York Yankees would “obviously” be interested.
Bowden added that the Tigers ace could be looking for a $400 million dollar contract or more from the team that signs him next.
World Series Hopes Tied to Skubal’s Future?
Skubal’s astronomical talent makes the Tigers a solid bet to win every fifth game on the schedule considering his ability to nullify opposing teams’ lineups.
The Hayward, Calif. native went 13-6 last season with a 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts and a 0.89 WHIP (Walks and Hits per Innings Pitched).
The Tigers have one of MLB’s best farm systems and might decide to cut bait with Skubal in hopes of trimming their future payroll and getting young prospects, pitchers or position players in return.