RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JULY 18: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 18, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ryan Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There is really nothing like the trade deadline in MLB. Yes, other leagues have an in-season deadline, and it can be a season defining moment for those leagues as well, but in Major League Baseball the ripple effect of a deadline deal could last for a decade or more. Teams at the deadline are basically debating between their ability to win a championship in the next two years vs. five years down the road.
Those are the stakes for every trade involving an All-Star level talent. But this year has at least the possibility of a trade that would hit the league like a tornado. The Detroit Tigers are currently 50-57, six games back in the A.L. Central and four games out of the Wild Card. Far from insurmountable, but with the amount of teams in their way it would be a heavy lift. It’s been a letdown season for the Tigers who had World Series aspirations. Now they are faced with an organization defining decision. Should they trade arguably the best pitcher in baseball?
Tarik Skubal is a two-time Cy Young winner who is still four months away from turning 30-years old. He could, if healthy, be in his prime for at least another five seasons. That’s five seasons of an ace who can lead a team through the postseason. That kind of pitcher isn’t often available, and any trade would require an absolute haul of prospects and young talent in return. It would take an all-in move by a team ready to win now and not worried about depleting their Minor League organization.
On the other side of the coin, the Tigers aren’t a team that looks to be in desperate need of a rebuild just yet. There is plenty of talent on that team in a division that feels gettable in the near future. But with the uncertainty looming next season, maybe the time is right to cash in?
For this week’s MLB Reacts survey, we want to know if you think the Tigers WILL trade Skubal before this year’s deadline. Get your answer’s in quick and be on the lookout for results later this week!
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