Skubal's Cy Young, Massive Ask Spurs Trade Interest

Tarik Skubal emerged as Detroit’s ace and won the AL Cy Young in 2025, posting a 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts, a 0.89 WHIP and 6.6 WAR. Reports say a large contract gap separates Skubal and Detroit — the Tigers’ offer last year was below $80 million over four years (some reports under $100M) while Skubal’s baseline ask has been reported around $400 million, potentially resetting the market for pitchers. That disparity has prompted trade interest from multiple contenders, though rivals believe Detroit may prefer to retain him because it is a contending team; if Detroit does trade him, teams should expect to give up substantial assets, with reports suggesting the Tigers could demand two top-level starting pitchers plus a position-player prospect. Insider scenarios for the Yankees include packages built around arms such as Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil plus prospects, or offers that would involve high-end young players like Jasson Domínguez or Spencer Jones, while Aaron Judge and Cam Schlittler are widely viewed as untouchable. Separately, the Tigers have been linked to possible outfield targets such as Jarren Duran as they weigh retaining Skubal against other roster moves.