The Detroit Tigers could consider making a huge change to the roster this offseason by trading Tarik Skubal for a huge return.
Those trade rumors have picked up steam after contract talks between Skubal and the Tigers were reportedly hundreds of millions of dollars apart.
Whether it's a trade or if Skubal leaves in free agency after 2026, there's a high chance that Skubal isn't on the Tigers going forward. If that scenario comes to pass, as Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report, the Tigers have an aggressive plan.
How Tigers plan to fill Tarik Skubal's absence if he departs via trade or free agency
"And another thing: If the Tigers lose Skubal as a free agent, his roster spot would not become a black hole." Sammon and Rosenthal write. "The team would try, as best it could, to replace him."
Replacing Skubal won't come easily. It's very difficult to replace a player as talented as Skubal. But, instead of paying him $400 million, they could use that same amount to add multiple other pieces to spread out the roster.
Skubal has a case to be called the best pitcher in baseball after his back-to-back incredible seasons. He won the 2024 AL Cy Young Award and is the favorite to win the 2025 AL Cy Young Award.
More: How Tigers' GM Scott Harris might've revealed his concerning Tarik Skubal plan
Such a player is near impossible to replace, but the Tigers will try hard to do so if he leaves after the 2026 season. Whether it's a trade or a departure in free agency, the Tigers have a plan to fill in for Skubal.
The production from the rotation will likely take a step back, regardless of who the Tigers end up trying to replace him with. But knowing the Tigers won't just sit still if he leaves is an encouraging sign.
There will be plenty of teams trying to sign Skubal, and while Detroit would love to keep him, his chances of leaving look high. If he does depart the Tigers organization, Scott Harris and the front office will try to replace him as best they can.
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