Most MLB teams won't try trading for Tigers' Tarik Skubal until this date

Matt Sullivan

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Most MLB teams won't try trading for Tigers' Tarik Skubal until this date image

The Detroit Tigers have garnered a lot of attention, with most of that attention drawn to the chances to trade for Tarik Skubal this winter.

Entering the final year of his deal, with no extension in sight, the Tigers might seriously entertain trading their two-time Cy Young ace. But this is far from a simple trade.

As Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reveals, the Tigers aren't likely to field many offers at the moment, as teams wait for a specific date to reopen discussions. That date? When Skubal and the Tigers have their arbitration hearing.

MLB teams to wait for Skubal arb hearing to make trade offers to Tigers

"Trading Skubal prior to his hearing - which will take place sometime between Jan. 26 and Feb. 13 - would be difficult," Feinsand writes, "as most teams would likely want to know what the financial commitment will be for 2026 before trading for the ace."

While Skubal is the top trade target this winter for any teams interested in starting pitching, the trade market isn't expected to develop until his salary for 2026 is settled.

The Tigers and Skubal filed $13 million apart, with the Tigers offering $19 million while Skubal filed for $32 million.

Skubal will likely make more than that per-year once he hits free agency, so his contract demand is viewed as a realistic number, while the Tigers have been criticized for their lackluster offer.

More: Team USA World Baseball Classic roster: Bryce Harper, Tarik Skubal among stars on team for 2026 tournament

But things are still uncertain, and the arbitration hearing will help clear the air on what Skubal will make next season. That outcome, regardless of where the toal lands, will be a huge indicator of trade talks.

If it's closer to the Tigers' number, a trade might be more likely since Skubal wouldn't be on the books for much. But if Skubal gets his $32 million, then the Tigers might not have as strong an interest from some cash-strapped clubs.

This update is an important one, as trade rumors around Skubal likely won't surge back up until his 2026 salary is determined.

That means that starting on January 26th, through February 13th, until a hearing is held on the Skubal and Tigers contract dispute, there very likely won't be a trade.

But this also means that once the final number is revealed, trade talks with the Tigers ace are expected to pick back up. For now, fans can put Skubal trade rumors aside. But once his 2026 salary is determined, expect trade rumors to pop back up this offseason.

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