The Detroit Tigers have pulled Tarik Skubal off the trading block, at least for the time being. Riding a wave of victories, winning six of their last seven games in June, the Tigers are finally showing the form of an AL contender that many expected at the start of the season. With just a 4.5-game gap from the final AL Wild Card spot, trading away their two-time Cy Young winner before the deadline would likely cause an uproar among fans unless something unexpected happens.
Now, the Tigers’ decision to hold onto Skubal could complicate future trade efforts. Trading a pitcher of Skubal’s caliber is no small feat, and it comes with high expectations from fans.
If the Tigers decide to trade Skubal, every detail of the return will be scrutinized. On the flip side, if they keep him and fall short of a playoff run, questions about the decision will linger, especially if Skubal eventually leaves in free agency.
Interestingly, the most pressing issue for the Tigers’ management isn’t just these potential outcomes.
The Tigers are likely to demand a hefty return if they decide to trade Skubal. Whether other teams are willing to meet these demands is up to them. As the August deadline approaches, there will be other starting pitchers available, offering alternatives for teams like the Dodgers and Cubs that might hesitate to give up too much for a short-term rental.
For teams seeking alternatives, Reid Detmers has become a notable option, according to insiders.
“Tarik Skubal will be the most prominent player talked about leading up to the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline,” Brent Maguire of MLB.com noted.
“For many teams that potentially miss out on Skubal — or aren’t willing to meet Detroit’s likely high asking price — there are several other intriguing pitchers who could be on the move. In terms of left-handed starters, one pitcher to monitor is the Angels’ Reid Detmers.”
Detmers is having a standout season, ranking impressively in several pitching metrics among his peers.
However, the Tigers might have to reconsider their asking price for Skubal. According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, rival executives think Detroit could secure an MLB-ready player and a top-100 prospect for their ace.
Trade scenarios suggested by ESPN’s Jeff Passan indicate the Tigers might even ask for more, depending on the competition. But if contenders decide to look elsewhere, the situation could change.
With other pitchers like Detmers and Freddy Peralta available, teams might opt for these alternatives if the Tigers’ demands are too high. While neither Detmers nor Peralta matches Skubal’s level, there comes a point where the cost is too much for a player likely to test free agency next winter. The Tigers should heed this as a cautionary tale.