Tarik Skubal could completely change the MLB trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 MLB trade deadline already had intrigue. Then Buster Olney raised the possibility that Tarik Skubal could become the biggest name available on the market.
According to Olney’s latest ESPN reporting, rival executives are closely watching how the Tigers handle Skubal as Detroit spirals through an injury-riddled season. What once looked like a contending year has quickly shifted into uncertainty, especially after the Tigers fell near the bottom of the American League standings.
That changes everything.
If Skubal returns healthy from his NanoNeedle Scope procedure and looks anything close to his Cy Young-caliber self, he instantly becomes the kind of pitcher who can alter the World Series race overnight. Front offices do not often get the chance to acquire a true postseason ace in July. This year, they just might.
The fascinating part is that Olney notes this is not simply about prospects. Skubal’s remaining salary matters too, with roughly $11 million still owed over the final two months. That could narrow the field to aggressive contenders willing to spend heavily for a championship push.
The Dodgers nightmare scenario for the rest of baseball
Olney specifically mentioned the possibility of the Los Angeles Dodgers getting involved, which feels almost unfair considering their history of blockbuster deadline deals. Under Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers have repeatedly landed stars near the deadline, including Manny Machado and Yu Darvish. The mere idea of Skubal joining that rotation would send shockwaves across baseball.
MORE: Ronald Acuña Jr. gave Braves fans another scare they desperately didn’t want
But they are far from alone. The San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves were all highlighted by Olney as organizations led by executives unafraid to make massive swings when October is within reach.
Detroit may have a franchise-defining decision ahead
Olney’s reporting also paints Tigers president Scott Harris as pragmatic rather than emotional when it comes to roster building. That matters. If Detroit decides this season is slipping away, moving Skubal could bring back a franchise-altering return instead of risking losing him for much less in free agency compensation. The Tigers would essentially need to decide whether one last playoff chase is worth passing on a potentially historic haul.
Tarik Skubal trade chances are rising.
1. Tigers have lost 14 of 16 and are in last and 5 games out in WC race. 2. Tigers have 5 starters on IL. 3. Skubal is progressing since elbow scope. 4. Tigers chances to extend him are nil.— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 21, 2026
And if Skubal dominates immediately after returning?
The bidding war could become the story of the entire baseball summer.
More MLB news:
- Cardinals may have accidentally created the perfect baseball atmosphere
- James Wood delivered one of baseball’s rarest moments in win
- Nick Morabito promotion signals Mets are thinking differently
- Mets just produced the kind of win playoff teams remember
- Matthew Liberatore is still chasing the role Cardinals have waited years to see
