Tigers rumors: What Tarik Skubal must do before any trade suitor pulls trigger

The Detroit Tigers have had a bad season overall, and ace Tarik Skubal is the subject of persistent trade rumors. Several teams have been rumored to want Skubal. In order for a trade to happen, there appears to be some objectives that must be met.

USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale shared on Sunday what teams want to see from the Tigers pitcher.

“Rival executives believe that Skubal will need to make at least three starts to convince teams he’s healthy,” Nightengale wrote.

Skubal is working to bounce back with his throwing, following surgery. He is set to start Sunday for High-A West Michigan. The Tigers pitcher has been out after dealing with elbow problems.

Despite the injury, Skubal has plenty of trade suitors. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and San Diego Padres are just a few. Some MLB insiders believe the Tampa Bay Rays will also be involved, as the team is making a run this season for the American League East crown.

Skubal could immediately bolster a rotation. He has won the American League Cy Young the last two seasons. He has several other honors under his belt. This season, Skubal was at a 2.70 ERA before getting hurt.

The Tigers ace admits that it is hard sometimes to deal with all the outside noise.

“With all the trade stuff, we just got to start winning games,” Skubal said recently, via The Detroit Free Press. “Last year, there was not one word about me being traded. Winning calms all that stuff down, and that’s what this team needs to do.”

Time will tell if Skubal does get moved before this season’s MLB trade deadline. The deadline this season is on August 3.

Detroit meanwhile takes on the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. The Tigers are 26-39 this season.

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