Tigers get bold playoff prediction even after Tarik Skubal trade

When the Detroit Tigers traded away Tarik Skubal, it seemed as if their playoff hopes had gone out the window. However, their 59-60 record tells a different story.

Entering Wednesday, the Tigers are just 2.5 games out of the NL Central lead and a half game out of a Wild Card spot. When the postseason actually begins, Steve Phillips of the MLB Network is expecting Detroit to be a part of it.

“They’re better than what their record indicates,” Phillips said. “The Tigers are going to make the playoffs, I’m calling it. If only they had more pitching. Jackson Jobe, [Troy] Melton, those boys can deal. Tigers are making the playoffs.”

Stop me if you've heard this before, the Tigers are making another run after the trade deadline @tigers | #DNMW
https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/cjopkdMfbv

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) August 12, 2026

As Phillips points out, the Tigers’ +89 run differential is the best in all of the American League. Furthermore, they have gone an impressive 8-2 over their last 10 games. While they may no longer have Skubal, Detroit is still committed to putting up a fight.

When it comes to the Tigers’ pitching staff, there is still plenty of potency in the rotation. Framber Valdez is the new ace, while players like Jackson Jobe and Troy Melton will continue proving why they belong in the majors. It’s a work of progress and obviously less impactful without Skubal. But opposing lineups can’t just scoff past what Detroit has to offer.

In terms of offense, the Tigers rank 12th in the league with 545 runs scored. Players like Kevin McGonigle, Dillon Dingler and Riley Greene still strike fear in any pitcher they face.

Detroit is still facing an uphill battle towards making the playoffs. Even if they clinch a berth there’s no guarantee of a deep run. But trading away arguably the best pitcher in baseball and still making the playoffs would be a testament to both the Tigers’ present and future.

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