CBS Sports, just like every other baseball fan and sports media company, is currently vigilant as to the rumors and deals being done ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline. As the season has progressed, it has become apparent that there are multiple teams that will be in the market to add high-end talent to their current rosters, while others are hoping to jump-start a rebuild by trading away players that will hit free agency by year’s end.
One team that is drawing mixed predictions is the Detroit Tigers. Early on, it appeared as if they were going to be clear sellers at the deadline. Of course, two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal would be their largest trade chip. He is set to become a free agent at the end of 2026, and Detroit likely will not be able to afford him.
CBS Sports predicts the Los Angeles Dodgers will trade for Tarik Skubal
As of late, however, the Tigers have played themselves back into the conversation of the woeful American League. They are 6.5 games back in the AL Central Division, and 5.0 games back of a Wild Card spot.
Obviously, they have some ground to make up; but it is not insurmountable. Given how weak the AL is this season, the Tigers could find themselves in the postseason picture late in the year, which has led many to believe they could hold onto Skubal.
At the end of the day, though, the possibility of adding some top-tier prospects may be too good for Detroit to pass up. What is more, it is pretty clear that Skubal is going to leave at the end of the season anyway.
CBS Sports recently released an article in which they made some bold predictions for the MLB trade deadline, and one of them predicted that the back-to-back World Series champs, the Los Angeles Dodgers, would be the ones to get him:
“I think he’ll wind up with the Dodgers because they’re motivated to three-peat, so much so that they might step out of their comfort zone and do something irrational, plus they have a rich farm system. They don’t have room for all these outfield prospects, you know? The point is, Skubal is going. The Tigers’ recent excellent play won’t change that.”
Skubal, who missed several weeks of the season due to arm surgery, is 6-5 with a 2.83 ERA this year. The procedure he had done was to remove some floating substances from his throwing arm, and not something that perspective trade partners need be concerned with.
The Dodgers, in addition to being loaded with superstar talent, have one of the best farm systems in baseball. They certainly have the assets to get a deal for Skubal done. As mentioned, they are highly motivated to three-peat, especially with a lockout in 2027 looming.
