Tarik Skubal is not 'untouchable' in trade talks, per Tigers exec

Matt Sullivan

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Tarik Skubal is not 'untouchable' in trade talks, per Tigers exec image

The Detroit Tigers have been the main storyline this winter when it comes to trade rumors. While other more likely players could be dealt, none have drawn the same attention that Tarik Skubal has.

Heading into the final year of his deal, the Tigers could look to trade the two-time Cy Young Award winner for a massive return this winter. But moving on from such a talented player would be a huge risk to take, and there's reason to question such a move.

However, ESPN's David Schoenfield shared an outlook from Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris on Skubal and any of the Tigers players. Harris revealed that everyone, including Skubal, is not "untouchable," opening the door to a trade.

Tigers exec reveals Tarik Skubal is not 'untouchable'

"I don't believe in untouchable players at any level," Harris said, "it's not a commentary on Tarik; it's more of a blanket approach to building a winning organization. My job is to make this organization better... Which means that I need to listen to every opportunity, no matter how likely or unlikely it is to actually happen.

"I've got to listen because we've got to get better as an organization, so that's our approach."

While Harris isn't revealing his plan to trade Skubal, or any specific player, his comment does make things clear that if the right deal comes across his table, he's not afraid to accept it.

Trading Skubal would be a controversial decision, but for the Tigers, it could set things up in a major way heading into the future.

MORE: Why Tarik Skubal is still Tigers' best offseason trade candidate

Keeping Skubal might provide the Tigers' best chance to contend in 2026, but if they trade him, land a very strong return and use the money they would've spent on him to bring in other talent, then the Tigers could build a much more well-balanced team.

Harris is trying to build a winning organization, and based on Skubal not being "untouchable" this offseason, a trade could be in the cards.

Moving on from a player as talented as Skubal won't come easily, but Harris is prepared to make such a deal, especially if it means setting the team up for success in the future.

There's no more interesting situation in Major League Baseball than with Skubal and the Tigers. And based on these comments from Harris, the Tigers' chances of trading Skubal look bigger than ever.

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Staff Writer