The Detroit Tigers sit last in the AL Central and are riddled with injuries almost one-third of the way through the season, leading insiders to believe Tarik Skubal’s time in Motor City could come to an end at the trade deadline.
Heading into the season, the Tigers’ status as contenders was reason enough for them to hold onto Skubal through his final year of team control in 2026 despite interest across MLB. Now, though, as they sit 9.5 games out of first and five games out of a Wild Card spot, they could ship him out.
Tarik Skubal trade chances are rising.
1. Tigers have lost 14 of 16 and are in last and 5 games out in WC race. 2. Tigers have 5 starters on IL. 3. Skubal is progressing since elbow scope. 4. Tigers chances to extend him are nil.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 21, 2026
Skubal is currently on the injured list after undergoing a procedure to remove loose bodies from his elbow, which would usually keep him out until the second half of the season, but he should return ahead of schedule after undergoing Dr. Neal ElAttrache’s new solution to this treatment.
ElAttrache used the “NanoNeedle” for Skubal’s procedure, which affects the tissue around the injury less than a traditional surgery. The left-hander began throwing about a week after his surgery. Blake Snell underwent the same procedure earlier this week.
If Skubal returns before the trade deadline, the Tigers could very well trade him since they’re extremely unlikely to extend him before the end of the year.
Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Could the Dodgers Use Tarik Skubal?
When everyone’s healthy, the Dodgers have one of the most unstoppable rotations in MLB. That, however, isn’t always the case. The Dodgers have several starters who have made a trip to the injured list already this season, such as Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Gavin Stone and River Ryan. If Skubal can make a full recovery before the deadline, he would easily find a spot in the rotation.
Skubal, when he’s healthy, is potentially the best pitcher in the league. The back-to-back Cy Young winner had a 2.39 ERA in 2024, and had an even better season in 2025 with a 2.21 ERA. Even before his injury this season, Skubal had a 2.70 ERA through 43.1 innings pitched.
Who Would the Dodgers Trade for Tarik Skubal?
Skubal would likely command a high price from whoever trades for him, even if he’s only under control for the remainder of the season.
In exchange for a top player such as Skubal, the Dodgers would likely need to send over a young, MLB ready pitcher as well as one or two top prospects. The Dodgers’ farm system is among the best in MLB, so while it would take a significant hit from a trade, they would still have plenty of talent and would still be in good shape for the future.
There’s still plenty of time before the deadline, though, and the Tigers always have the option of holding onto Skubal. As the season progresses, the situation surrounding the southpaw will become more clear.
Do you want Tarik Skubal this season? Who Would you trade for him?
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