There might be no more compelling team to monitor this winter than the Detroit Tigers. While they could wind up spending some money to improve their team, there are rumors flying around that could involve shipping off their best player.
Tarik Skubal has been floated in trade talks, with some reports indicating that he's getting moved, while others imply the Tigers will keep the Cy Young ace.
But, according to USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Tigers' plan regarding a potential Skubal trade. Nightengale's report reveals that the Tigers are leaving the door open to a potential trade.
Tigers leave door open to Tarik Skubal trade, according to MLB insider
"The Tigers will at least listen on Skubal," Nightengale writes, "but would have to be completely overwhelmed."
This report from Nightengale comes shortly after he predicted the ace isn't going to be traded. While Skubal is very likely staying in Detroit for the 2026 season, the door to a trade isn't fully shut.
Skubal is heading into the final year of club control, making any trade talks very challenging to complete. While having Skubal on a playoff team would be massive, it'd come at a very high price.
The Tigers could get a massive trade package and move on from him this offseason, but most teams would likely not be willing to give up what the Tigers are looking for.
More: Riley Greene subtly called out by Tigers' GM amid urge for more contact
Skubal is hitting free agency after the 2026 season, as he looks to reset the starting pitching market with a massive deal. Any team trading for Skubal would get only one year of the ace pitcher and have to pay a very high price as well.
Nightengale does pose an interesting scenario: a Skubal trade at the MLB trade deadline. "The Tigers are expected to hang onto him until at least the July 2026 trade deadline.
If the Tigers were to falter to begin the year and head into the trade deadline well outside of a playoff spot, then the Tigers would more easily move on from Skubal.
For now, it looks like the Tigers won't trade Skubal, but they won't hang up the phone for any trade offers from around the league. The only question is whether another organization is willing to pay the massive price tag for the likely Cy Young ace.
More Tigers News:
- Tigers owner Chris Ilitch comments on a Tarik Skubal extension after Wild Card win
- Tigers GM reveals why Detroit passed on players like Eugenio Suarez at the trade deadline
- Tigers GM teases exciting prospect call-ups for 2026 season
- Tigers could turn to Braves' star as potential Gleyber Torres replacement
- How Tigers' GM Scott Harris might've revealed his concerning Tarik Skubal plan