MLB rumors: Tigers making Tarik Skubal trade gets ‘90%’ update from insider

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal is currently recovering from an elbow injury. Meanwhile, Skubal is dealing with trade rumors as well. With the Tigers struggling overall and Skubal set to enter free agency after the season, the chances of the two-time Cy Young winner being traded are seemingly increasing. In fact, MLB insider Jon Heyman believes there is a “90 percent” chance of Skubal ending up on a new team before the trade deadline.

“I think the chances are excellent that he is traded… I think the likelihood is very, very high,” Heyman said on MLB Network. “I would say 90 percent. If he looks anything close to Tarik Skubal (after returning from injury)… He will be traded.”

The Tigers trading Skubal makes sense if they are unable to compete for a postseason spot. They are not expected to re-sign him this offseason, so moving him during the season for top prospects would be the best possible move.

Acquiring him will represent a risk for contenders. There is a chance that he will be a half-season rental. Surrendering multiple top prospects for only a half-season of any player — even a superstar like Skubal — is obviously risky. If it means receiving the opportunity to seriously compete for a World Series championship, though, the risk is likely worth it.

Teams in the National League will be especially intriguing to monitor. The Los Angeles Dodgers feature the most talent in the game. If a contender such as the Milwaukee Brewers or San Diego Padres acquire Skubal, their chances of upsetting the Dodgers in a postseason series would increase.

If the Dodgers trade for Skubal, well, all those teams can do is hope for a miracle in a postseason series.

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