{"id":108603,"date":"2025-10-20T20:23:13","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T00:23:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=108603"},"modified":"2025-10-20T20:23:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T00:23:13","slug":"tigers-tarik-skubal-decision-trade-or-extension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/10\/20\/tigers-tarik-skubal-decision-trade-or-extension\/","title":{"rendered":"Trade or Extend? The Tigers\u2019 Tarik Skubal Decision"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Detroit Tigers are coming fresh off their second consecutive ALDS Game Five exit and now face a potentially franchise-altering decision regarding their southpaw ace and soon-to-be two-time Cy Young Award winner, Tarik Skubal<\/a>.<\/div>\n
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Skubal has easily been one of, if not the most, dominant starters in the sport over the past several seasons. This year, bidding for his second Cy Young campaign, Skubal posted a 13\u20136 record with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts in 195 1\/3 innings. His consistency, command, and ability to overpower hitters have made him one of the most feared pitchers in the American League, and his value on the open market continues to rise.<\/div>\n
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Jul 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Skubal is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season, and the Tigers are doing their due diligence in attempting to extend their star pitcher. However, according to the New York Post<\/a>, there is a $250 million gap in negotiations between Skubal\u2019s camp\u2014led by superstar agent Scott Boras\u2014and the Tigers\u2019 front office. The organization now faces a defining choice: run it back with their ace one more time in pursuit of a World Series, or trade him while his value is at its peak and bring in significant capital for the future.<\/div>\n
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Tigers Must Make a Decision on Tarik Skubal’s Future in Detroit<\/h2>\n
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The Tigers should absolutely try to trade Skubal, because unless the front office truly opens up its pocketbooks, there is little to no chance that Skubal will remain a Tiger beyond 2026. Knowing this, Detroit must act like a smart front office and maximize its return while it still can. Rumors have already been swirling about teams looking to add an ace-type pitcher like Skubal\u2014including the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and Boston Red Sox. All three teams need another big-time starter and possess the prospect depth to put together a strong trade package to acquire him.<\/div>\n
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The Mets have an abundance of young pitching that could be appealing to the Tigers. It will likely take both Jonah Tong<\/a> and Brandon Sproat<\/a>, and it will probably take outfield prospect<\/a> Jett Williams<\/a>, and possibly even more, to get Skubal. The Mets are expected to be among the most aggressive in the process of acquiring Skubal.<\/div>\n
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On Baseball Night in New York, @sal_licata<\/a>, @NYNJHarper<\/a>, @DPLennon<\/a> & @KeithRaad<\/a> discuss the challenges of the Tigers potentially dealing Tarik Skubal, including the pros and cons for keeping him for a year and what that entails<\/p>\n

\u27a1\ufe0f Tri-State @Cadillac<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/vSDCVGD0Ky<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 SNY (@SNYtv) October 20, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n