MLB.com is keeping track of the latest news and rumors surrounding Tarik Skubal prior to the Trade Deadline on Aug. 3.
2026 Trade Deadline: Aug. 3, 6 p.m. ET
• Everything you need to know
• Latest trade buzz and rumors
July 1: Skubal posts best start since surgery; Tigers enter July at 37-49
Skubal remains the biggest Trade Deadline domino, and Tuesday's gem against the Yankees was a reminder of why. Skubal looked as good as he has since he underwent left elbow surgery on May 6, striking out nine batters with no walks and allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit over six innings. However, even with its 15-11 June, Detroit is still facing a grim reality. The 37-49 club is 6 1/2 games from a playoff spot, which means it remains far more likely than not that the pending free agent will be dealt.
“They have to move Skubal; there’s no way around it,” an American League executive told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand earlier this week. “They will set that franchise back 10 years if they don’t. He’s gone at the end of the year regardless, and they can pull Major League assets back.” MLB Network insider Jon Heyman heard something similar from a rival executive who said it would be “asinine” if the Tigers didn’t trade Skubal. So where might he land? As Heyman noted in an article for the New York Post (subscription required) Wednesday morning, the two-time Cy Young winner’s potential market remains hazy at this point, with the Dodgers and Yankees not expected to be among his top suitors.