Tigers revealed to have 'last-minute' trade plan with Tarik Skubal

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Tigers revealed to have 'last-minute' trade plan with Tarik Skubal image

Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the seventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Detroit Tigers have the attention of Major League Baseball this season, as the future of Tarik Skubal in Detroit is very much in doubt.

He could leave in free agency after the 2026 season, which would excite plenty of teams. But Skubal could also be traded this summer by the August 3 trade deadline. If he's dealt, he'd easily be one of the biggest names on the move at the deadline in recent history.

However, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers, the Tigers' plan with Skubal for the trade deadline was revealed to be one where Detroit will wait until the "last minute" to trade him if they move on from him.

Tigers have 'last-minute' trade plan with Tarik Skubal

"The Tigers think they can win the division and will hold out as long as possible in deciding whether to trade Tarik Skubal. Some rivals believe they can as well, casting further doubt that he'll be moved," Rogers reports. "Detroit will take this to nearly the last minute before making -- or not making -- a move."

With the Tigers still hanging around in the AL Wild Card race, just 4.5 games back with a little over 10 days to go until the August 3 trade deadline, they could get back into the race.

But if they falter and fall out of the hunt a bit more by the deadline, then Skubal might actually be on the move.

Regardless, it appears that whatever outcome comes to fruition, the Tigers will be waiting until much closer to the deadline to make their decision.

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Skubal might stick in Detroit, or he could be on the move to one of the top contenders around MLB for a massive haul.

The outcome won't be known until closer to the deadline, as the Tigers plan to drag this out until the "last-minute," according to Rogers.

He's proven he's healthy since coming back from surgery mid-season, and he has a 2.83 ERA with 98 strikeouts in 14 starts across 82.2 innings of work. Skubal will fetch a high price if he's moved, but such a deal won't happen for a little while.