MLB rumors: Why Tigers will trade Tarik Skubal before 2026 deadline

11.5 games behind the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central, the Detroit Tigers’ chances at returning to the postseason grow slimmer and slimmer as the season approaches June. A 7-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox was the Tigers’ third defeat in a row, as the White Sox’s resurgent 2026 campaign has left them in second place in the Central. As Detroit’s season continues to slip away, the trade rumors involving ace Tarik Skubal will grow even louder. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal discussed why the team will likely trade Skubal ahead of the upcoming MLB deadline. His take was shared by Fox Sports MLB on X, formerly Twitter.

“As long as he proves that he is healthy again, teams are going to lineup,” opined Rosenthal Saturday afternoon. “And then, the question becomes, are the Tigers willing? And certainly, if the standings are that daunting, if the situation is that bleak, they’re going to have to listen.”

If Skubal comes back at full strength, teams around the majors will call left and right. The back-to-back AL Cy Young award winner would improve any rotation he joins. The two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers will certainly check in. So will other contenders like the Seattle Mariners (Skubal’s hometown), the New York Yankees, and more.

The lefty is set to face hitters once again on Monday as he recovers from elbow surgery. The type of surgery he received is cutting-edge, performed in the hopes that Skubal would return to impact yet another postseason run. Dodgers, Yankees, and Mariners fans, plus interested parties from around the league, will keep tabs on the Tigers ace. If Skubal performs well on Monday, a return to Detroit’s rotation will be closer than ever. Will he remain a Tiger past early August? If not, then Rosenthal’s prediction will have come to pass.

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