The Detroit Tigers haven’t said that they aren’t actively shopping Tarik Skubal, which hasn’t stopped rumors from popping up as teams continue to see what it would actually take to pry away the best pitcher in baseball.
No matter what, the return has to be massive. Detroit isn’t moving a frontline starter just to do so. It needs to save money and is likely worried about that with his future deal, but the Tigers have to get something incredible in return.
If the Tigers seriously entertain offers, it has to be for a package that makes too much sense to pass up on.
One proposal that could make sense came from Ryan Phillips of Sports Illustrated, who pitched a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Dodgers receive:
SP Tarik Skubal
Tigers receive:
SP Emmet Sheehan
OF Zyhir Hope (Dodgers’ No. 2 prospect)
SS/3B Alex Freeland (Dodgers’ No. 4 prospect)
“The Dodgers get an ace they can add to a rotation full of them. Skubal would move to the front of a rotation that also includes Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow. Roki Sasaki could be mixed in if they decide to go with a six-man rotation to reduce pressure on Ohtani’s arm.”
“The Tigers get the haul they’re looking for here. Sheehan could replace Skubal in the team’s rotation and would be given a longer leash than he has had in Los Angeles. Freeland made his debut for the Dodgers in 2025, but is currently blocked by the team’s loaded infield. Hope is a top 50 outfield prospect with a high ceiling who reached Double A in 2025,” he wrote.
I still question why the Tigers would move him rather than just give him the money he wants, but that’s what happens when teams don’t pay up.
More Tigers news:
- Tigers linked to left-hander who will get $200 million to replace Tarik Skubal
- MLB.com insider reveals what Tigers are looking for in any Tarik Skubal trade
- Red Sox All-Star and fan favorite reportedly high on Tigers list of free agents
- Tarik Skubal makes massive Team USA WBC announcement
- Tigers trade plans for Tarik Skubal revealed by ESPN insiders
- Tigers predicted to sign Blue Jays slugger away from Toronto in free agency