The Detroit Tigers are one of many teams around the Major Leagues that will have plenty of attention on them this winter. There's one reason why: teams are wondering what they will do with Tarik Skubal.
Detroit has been far apart in contract talks with Skubal, and there have been rumors that the Tigers could consider trading the Cy Young left-hander. It would cost a ton, but many teams would love to have an ace for a World Series push in 2026.
But, in a piece from Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal in The Athletic, a Tigers personnel member shared a six-word comment that reveals how the team is going to approach the Skubal trade rumors this winter, and his status for 2026.
Tigers personnel member hints at Detroit's Tarik Skubal plan with six-word message
"As one Detroit Tigers person put it, 'We want to win with him.'"
This quote points to the Tigers trying to win in 2026 with Skubal, even if it winds up being for just one more year.
Skubal would fetch a massive return in a trade, much better than if the Tigers let him walk and receive a compensatory draft pick. But he gives the Tigers their best chance to compete for a World Series in 2026.
Part of why the Tigers would more easily make this decision is their first-half performance in 2025. While their second-half collapse was well documented, the Tigers started the year off strong, being the first team to reach 60 wins, among other milestones.
More: How Tigers' GM Scott Harris might've revealed his concerning Tarik Skubal plan
If they traded Skubal, they wouldn't be able to get back to such heights. While it might give them a ton of assets for the future, the short term would be a massive downgrade.
The last two years in Detroit have given the franchise a lot of hope. Trading Skubal would immediately shut down any chance of the Tigers being World Series contenders, and it might even take Detroit out of the playoff race.
This quote, while only six words, points to Detroit holding onto their staff ace for at least the 2026 season. He is their best chance of being competitive, and if the goal is to win, then trading him makes zero sense.
Barring an offer too hard to refuse or the Tigers entering the 2026 MLB trade deadline with a losing record, Skubal is likely to stay in Detroit through the 2026 season.
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