Following initial rumors at the MLB Winter Meetings, a trade of Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is now deemed 'likely.' President Scott Harris reiterated no untouchables on the roster in a post-meetings interview, fueling talks with the Dodgers and Mets amid a wide contract gap.
Rumors surrounding a potential Tarik Skubal trade escalated after the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, with ESPN's Jorge Castillo reporting it as 'likely' based on event discussions. This builds on earlier buzz where Harris avoided declaring the two-time Cy Young winner untouchable.
In an MLB Network interview, Harris stated, "I don’t believe in untouchable players at any level," emphasizing he'd listen to all opportunities to improve the organization while noting, "Tarik’s a Tiger right now. We’re thrilled he’s a Tiger." He sidestepped direct trade talk as unfair to players and teams.
With one year of control left and a projected $400-450 million free-agent price tag—against a reported $250 million extension gap—trading Skubal could net a haul over draft compensation. The Dodgers are a top suitor, open to packaging Tyler Glasnow with prospects like Emmet Sheehan and Josue De Paula; TSN's Steve Phillips called it 'doable' for their rotation. The Mets are also linked, though some suggest waiting until the 2026 deadline.
Fans reacted strongly, many frustrated at the prospect of Skubal aiding recent World Series champs like the Dodgers.