Key facts
- Detroit Tigers are increasingly likely to trade pitcher Tarik Skubal before the deadline.
- The Tigers' playoff hopes have faded significantly, with the team in last place.
- Skubal is recovering from elbow surgery and is on an accelerated timeline to return.
- Teams are expected to line up for Skubal if he returns healthy by mid-to-late June.
- The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves are mentioned as potential suitors.
The Detroit Tigers, despite reaching the playoffs in 2025 and making significant offseason moves, have fallen to last place in 2026. Their offense and defense have struggled, and their bullpen has been a major weakness. Pitcher Tarik Skubal, who won his second consecutive Cy Young Award in 2025, has been out since early May with an elbow injury. With the team far out of contention, trading Skubal, who is set to reach free agency after the 2026 season, has become a realistic possibility.