Anonymous MLB GM Weighs in on Potential Tarik Skubal Trade
The Detroit Tigers entered the 2026 MLB season as American League contenders.
Tarik Skubal returned, Framber Valdez signed a massive deal in free agency, and veteran Justin Verlander came back for another year in Detroit.
However, in mid-May, the Tigers are under .500 and behind the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox in the AL Central standings, although they are very much alive due to the mediocre division.
It was recently announced that Skubal underwent surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow, sidelining him for at least a couple of months.
And, with that, trade speculation has swirled on Skubal, especially since he is heading for free agency after this season and should command a whopping contract.
Whether or not the Tigers decide to trade him remains to be seen, but one MLB GM weighed in on that front.
"I just think they have too much money invested in this team to give up," one GM said, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today. "I just can't see them moving Skubal. They're into this so deep."
The Tigers added Valdez on a three-year deal worth $115 million, and Skubal is in the final year of his deal, so it makes sense for Detroit to go all-in while it can.
What Could Detroit Get in a Skubal Trade?
For starters, if Skubal pitches as well as he has after the surgery, the Tigers should be able to remain in the AL Central race, especially considering it is one of the weaker divisions in MLB.
If the Tigers decide to trade Skubal, another question surfaces: What could they get in return?
"The Tigers would have the most marquee player on the trade block with Skubal since the San Diego Padres traded Juan Soto to the Yankees. The question is just how much could the Tigers get for Skubal, who has now had three arm surgeries on his career, is earning $32 million, and certainly will be seeking a free agent contract exceeding $400 million?" Nightengale wrote.
On one hand, he would be a desirable piece, but he would be essentially a two-month rental for any team, and he would head for the open market after the season comes to an end.
At this point, it might be likely that Skubal finishes the 2026 season with the Tigers.
Related: Tigers Ace Tarik Skubal Gets Concerning Injury News
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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 1:16 PM.