Tigers predicted to make Tarik Skubal trade decision amid $400 million future

Matt Sullivan

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Tigers predicted to make Tarik Skubal trade decision amid $400 million future image

The Detroit Tigers could make the biggest move of the offseason by trading Tarik Skubal. While there is plenty of interest, not every team has the capital to make this trade.

Detroit, with a two-time Cy Young on the trade market, can hold out for a massive return. He might not be a part of the team's future beyond 2026, but for now, he's under contract, and the Tigers are looking for a huge return for Skubal.

His looming contract and massive package required to trade for him make Skubal a tricky trade candidate. That's why Bob Nightengale of USA Today predicts that the Tigers, despite showing intrigue in the Los Angeles Dodgers offer, will retain Skubal.

Tigers predicted to hold onto Tarik Skubal amid $400 million future

"Prediction: Skubal will stay put." Nightengale writes. "There's simply no team that will strip their farm system for one year of Skubal knowing that he could be parting after one year for the riches of free agency, where he's expected to receive at least $400 million."

With teams around MLB not wanting to spend a fortune in capital on Skubal, whether it's Major Leaguers or top prospects, the chances of a trade significantly dip.

Moving on from Skubal could be the best move for the Tigers looking into the future, but no team might be willing to spend the assets to acquire Skubal this winter.

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

Nightengale predicts that Skubal will land a deal north of $400 million, and while a team might be willing to spend that on Skubal, pairing it with giving up a massive haul of players is too rich for most teams to part with.

But the worst-case scenario is too likely for any team interested in trading for Skubal. He's going to test the open market, and in doing so, could find his way onto a new team.

The Tigers losing Skubal would sting, but the return could be transformational for the organization. But this prediction from Nightengale pours cold water on those trade rumors, as the lofty asking price likely has most teams backing out of the trade market.

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Contributing Writer