Tigers Weigh Trading Ace Tarik Skubal

Detroit Tigers and ace Tarik Skubal remain deadlocked in extension talks, with reports of a roughly $250 million gap between the sides; if no deal is reached this offseason the Tigers are prepared to field trade offers. Multiple reports say the New York Mets are expected to be involved, and Detroit could seek two top-level starting pitchers plus a position-player prospect in return. Skubal, an AL Cy Young contender, is under team control through 2026 after another dominant season (about 13–6, 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts) and would command a premium and likely a large contract from any suitor. Other big-market clubs — including the Dodgers, Yankees and Astros (who have been mentioned as potentially offering established arms such as Framber Valdez plus prospects) — have been linked to him. The Tigers must weigh keeping a rotation cornerstone for their competitive window against ownership’s financial realities and the risk of losing Skubal for nothing in free agency.