Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers' ace and favorite for a second straight American League Cy Young Award, has become a focal point at the GM Meetings in Las Vegas. Executives believe the Tigers are unlikely to trade him this offseason despite his final year of team control in 2026. Interest remains high from teams like the New York Mets seeking a top starter.
LAS VEGAS -- As the Tigers prepare for another postseason push, the future of their star pitcher Tarik Skubal is generating buzz at the General Manager Meetings. Skubal, who posted a 2.21 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 2025 after a dominant 2024 Cy Young-winning season, enters his final arbitration year before free agency in 2027. Over the past two seasons, he has gone 31-10 with a 2.30 ERA across 387 1/3 innings in 62 starts.
Two rival executives indicated the industry consensus is that Detroit will hold onto Skubal. "I would be surprised if he was moved," a National League executive said. "But that doesn’t mean teams aren’t going to try." An AL executive added, "It’s going to take an enormous offer to get the Tigers to even consider it. Maybe one of the biggest ever for a player on an expiring contract."
Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris faces a key decision: retaining Skubal boosts their chances of a third straight postseason appearance, while trading him could yield a significant return in prospects and players to sustain long-term contention. If Skubal walks as a free agent without an extension, Detroit would receive only draft-pick compensation.
The New York Mets emerge as a potential suitor. Mets president David Stearns emphasized pursuing front-line starters, stating, "I think if a front-line pitcher, top-of-the-rotation pitcher is available, we're going to be involved in those discussions." A Tigers source reinforced their intent, saying, "We want to win with him," noting 2026 as their last opportunity before free agency.
While no deal appears imminent, Skubal's potential free-agent value—possibly the largest ever for a starting pitcher—keeps trade speculation alive amid the Tigers' recent success.