Struggling AL Team Floated as Potential Trade Candidate for Tarik Skubal

The Detroit Tigers are 22-38 entering their Monday matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays. Sitting in fifth place in the American League Central, they are trending toward missing the postseason for the first time since 2023.

After going 6-22 in May, the trade buzz surrounding starting pitcher Tarik Skubal continues to grow. On "Fair Territory," Ken Rosenthal stated that the Tigers will have "little choice," but to trade the two-time Cy Young Award winner.

Recovering from left elbow surgery, Skubal returning in mid-June is a possibility, according to MLive's Evan Woodbery. Despite the injury, he's an extremely valuable trade piece. In seven starts this season, he tossed 43.1 innings, posting a 2.70 ERA and .946 WHIP.

Several of the usual suspects are expected to be interested in a trade, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and San Diego Padres. However, in an article from The Athletic, Rosenthal lists the Baltimore Orioles as a potential suitor.

"The Baltimore Orioles' head of baseball ops, Mike Elias, might be concerned enough about his job to push for Skubal," Rosenthal wrote.

The Orioles invested in their pitching staff this past offseason. They handed out contracts to Chris Bassitt (one-year, $18.5 million), Zach Eflin (one-year, $10 million) and Ryan Helsley (two years, $28 million).

However, they have struggled throughout the season. Through 60 games, Baltimore ranks 26th in ERA (4.63), tied for 25th in WHIP (1.43), tied for 21st in strikeouts (474) and ranks 29th in opponent batting average (.261).

At 28-32, the Orioles are in fourth place in the American League East and 10 games behind the first-place Rays. Also, one game out of a wild-card spot, Baltimore is trying to avoid missing the postseason for a second straight year.

With winning the division becoming unlikely, adding Skubal to their rotation could be the boost Baltimore needs to earn one of the three wild-card spots.

Related: Tigers Make Roster Decision Before Ray Series

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 11:33 AM.