With reports indicating that the Detroit Tigers could move on from Tarik Skubal, there are several other factors Detroit would have to consider if it wants to be the team it hoped to be a year ago.
To start, the Tigers simply don’t have a way to replace a pitcher of Skubal’s caliber. There’s a reason many consider him the best starter in the game, and put simply, he’s irreplaceable.
However, Jim Bowden of The Athletic attempted to find a possible replacement, suggesting Detroit could be in the mix for left-hander Framber Valdez if it decides to move on from Skubal.
“Mets president David Stearns is philosophically opposed to expensive, long-term contracts for starting pitchers, but if the Mets want to be competitive in 2026 it’s important they improve their rotation and have someone who can lead the staff. Valdez can do just that. He’s a ground ball machine who misses bats and has proven he can pitch in big games.
“The Orioles would also be a great fit, but I decided to match-up Ranger Suárez there instead. If the Tigers determine that they can’t extend Tarik Skubal and trade him, then replacing him with Valdez might make some sense,” he wrote.
In terms of both Skubal and Valdez being left-handers, there are some obvious similarities.
However, while Valdez is a very good pitcher who deserves credit in his own right, he’s nothing like Skubal.
The Tigers would be a worse team without Skubal on the roster, even if Valdez were brought in as a replacement.
More Tigers news:
- 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
- Alex Bregman gets Tigers' free agent update from MLB insider