The Detroit Tigers found themselves in a bit of a pickle with their ace, Tarik Skubal, undergoing elbow surgery. This development has sparked some chatter about whether the Tigers missed a golden opportunity by not trading him during the offseason. With Skubal likely sidelined for a couple of months, the Tigers’ options at the trade deadline are looking slim.
Rumor has it, the New York Yankees were eyeing Skubal during the offseason. The Tigers, however, stood firm, holding out for a hefty return.
And you know what? That decision might just have been the right call.
The Tigers were reportedly asking for a package from the Yankees that included Ben Rice, Cam Schlittler, and George Lombard Jr. Now, that’s quite the haul, but Skubal was a prime trade chip, and the Tigers knew it. Their asking price was steep, and rightfully so.
Ben Rice could have been a fantastic acquisition for the Tigers, potentially filling the gap at first base. With his .303/.413/.667 slash line, 13 home runs, and 29 RBIs in just 39 games, he would have been a boon for Detroit, especially with Spencer Torkelson’s struggles this season.
Cam Schlittler, on the other hand, has been nothing short of dominant for New York. With a sparkling 1.35 ERA in nine starts and whispers of AL Cy Young consideration, he could have stepped into Skubal’s shoes as the Tigers’ ace.
Then there’s George Lombard Jr., a promising prospect who’s been showing great potential in the minors. Pairing him with Kevin McGonigle could have set the Tigers up with a solid middle infield for years to come.
Some might argue that trading Skubal would have been a sign of the Tigers conceding the 2026 season. But, looking at the potential return, it’s easy to see how that trade could have actually bolstered their competitiveness right now.
In the end, the deal didn’t happen. But the Tigers shouldn’t beat themselves up over it.
Even if Skubal decides to test free agency waters this offseason and all Detroit gets is a draft pick or two from a qualifying offer, they can hold their heads high. They knew what they had in Skubal and weren’t about to sell him for less than his worth.
Now, it’s all about hoping Skubal gets back to full health quickly. With him leading the charge, the Tigers can still aim for one last postseason push with their ace at the helm.