Tigers given stern warning by MLB insider over Tarik Skubal trade rumors

Matt Sullivan

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Tigers given stern warning by MLB insider over Tarik Skubal trade rumors image

The Detroit Tigers are in a very interesting spot as a franchise. After making it to Game 5 of the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners, Detroit could be on the verge of a reset year.

That is, if they decide to make the stunning decision to trade Tarik Skubal. With plenty of trade rumors circulating, the concept of a Skubal trade cannot be shut down. Despite such a move being an unpopular one, it's on the table for the Tigers.

But if they don't trade Skubal for a massive haul, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic gave a stern warning for what could make their lack of a trade disastrous. It's a simple, but clear message: if they don't trade Skubal, 2026 has to be an all-in season.

Tigers given stern warning by MLB insider over Tarik Skubal trade rumors

"If the Detroit Tigers want to keep Tarik Skubal, president of baseball operations Scott Harris can't stay in his preferred risk-averse mode." Rosenthal writes. "No more threading the needle. No more playing for tomorrow. If you're keeping Skubal, you're trying to win the World Series. So, take your best shot."

It's a clear warning to the Tigers from Rosenthal. They can keep Skubal, but if they do, they must add more players this winter to contend for a World Series in 2026.

The Tigers cannot head into 2026 with Skubal on the roster, but with no clear upgrades or additions elsewhere. Keeping Skubal would give the Tigers a strong ace in the rotation, but there are still plenty of other needs to address.

Alex Bregman or any other top third baseman, another starting pitcher, and a closer would all be players and positions the Tigers should try to add this winter if they hold onto Skubal.

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

Heading into 2026 without upgrading those spots, with Skubal on the roster, would be wasting the best chance the Tigers have at winning the World Series.

As good as Javier Baez and Zach McKinstry played in 2025, sticking with both of them, and a few other players who were just okay contributors, would be a massive misstep in the eyes of Rosenthal.

The Tigers should either trade Skubal for a haul or move forward with Skubal on the roster alongside a lot of other big additions to go for a World Series run.

They wouldn't even need to get rid of their top prospects like Max Clark or Kevin McGonigle to acquire top talent; they just need to spend this winter to be a real contender if they hold onto Skubal.

There is no more interesting offseason decision across baseball than what the Tigers do with Skubal this winter. And if the Tigers hold onto Skubal, Rosenthal is giving a stern warning not to waste his final year in Detroit with a lackluster roster.

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Editorial Team