Who has the package to tempt the Tigers for Skubal?
If Tarik Skubal is traded before Monday's deadline, the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays look best positioned to tempt the Detroit Tigers, per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. Both clubs have deep farm systems and a real October path with the two-time AL Cy Young winner. The Dodgers remain dangerous, but they are not the clear frontrunners here.
Key Takeaways
- Detroit sits about 3½ games out of the final AL wild-card spot with four teams ahead, leaving a sell-or-hold call on Tarik Skubal before the Aug. 3, 6 p.m. ET deadline.
- MLB.com's Mark Feinsand ranks the Brewers and Rays ahead of other suitors if Skubal moves, citing farm depth and World Series upside.
- The Tigers prioritize young, controllable pitching and have also shown shortstop interest in any return package.
- Skubal is a pending free agent on a one-year, $32 million arbitration deal and is pitching to a 2.70 ERA in 2026.
- Likely inquirers include the Rays, Brewers, Braves, Yankees and Dodgers, with CBS Sports noting multiple teams planned to reach out.
Skubal's next start after Wednesday's outing against the Orioles would fall after the trade deadline, so Detroit must decide whether to chase October with its ace or cash him in for a haul. The left-hander has won the last two AL Cy Young awards and becomes a free agent after this season, raising the risk of losing him for nothing if he is not dealt.
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What would the Tigers want back for Tarik Skubal?
Tigers beat writer Jason Beck told MLB.com that Detroit will look for young pitching in nearly any deal. The club has arms such as Troy Melton, Jackson Jobe, Reese Olson and Ty Madden, but the farm is thin on projectable starters.
President of baseball operations Scott Harris has stressed improving pitcher development. Controllable pitching close to the majors — even a project the staff can polish — fits that need and could help the roster contend again quickly. Detroit has also eyed shortstop help as a possible piece of a package.
Which teams have the package to land him?
Feinsand's short list puts Milwaukee and Tampa Bay ahead of the pack. The Brewers have touched base with Detroit and could dangle Major League-ready arms such as Kyle Harrison, Brandon Sproat or Logan Henderson, though that would cut into their own rotation. The Rays, owners of the American League's best record, could offer controllable starter Ian Seymour, Rule 5-eligible upper-level arms, shortstop Carson Williams or high-upside lower-level talent.
Atlanta has prospect capital and shortstop depth (Jim Jarvis, Tate Southisene, Alex Lodise) plus arms like Cam Caminiti. Los Angeles could counter with Justin Wrobleski or Emmett Sheehan and Top 100 depth, especially with Shohei Ohtani's mound return on hold. The Yankees may lack the chips if they will not move George Lombard Jr. Chicago is seeking rotation help but is less likely to deal from the top of its farm system.
Will Detroit actually trade Tarik Skubal before the deadline?
That remains unsettled. Feinsand called the Tigers the trickiest deadline case: still in the race, yet better positioned long term as sellers. Trading Skubal while still alive for a wild card would send a harsh message to fans and the clubhouse. Further losses before Sunday would raise the odds of a deal.
Yahoo Sports / USA TODAY notes Skubal is on a record $32 million arbitration salary after earning $10.15 million in 2025. CBS Sports has him at 7-5 with a 2.70 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 110 strikeouts and 13 walks in 90 innings after missing about six weeks for elbow bone-chip surgery. He has allowed one run in 14⅓ post-break innings. Until Detroit picks a lane, every contender's package is just a rumor waiting on Scott Harris.