Yankees Face Challenges in Pursuing Tarik Skubal
If the New York Yankees are eyeing a trade for Detroit Tigers standout Tarik Skubal, they may need to brace themselves for a prolonged wait. Recent insights from MLB executives, showcased in a piece by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, indicate that the Tigers are not in a rush to part ways with their ace.
Tigers’ Strategy on Skubal
In a survey of 16 MLB executives regarding the future of Skubal, a clear trend emerged. Out of the 13 who responded, a staggering ten executives favored the notion of the Tigers simply letting the situation play out instead of initiating a trade. One executive pointed out the delicate balance the Tigers must strike: “I doubt they can afford to extend him, but they also know they can’t win the division without him. I think they roll with him in ’26 unless they get blown away with a trade concept.”
The left-handed pitcher, who has made a name for himself by winning consecutive American League Cy Young Awards, is set to enter free agency after the 2026 season. The Tigers have struggled to secure a long-term contract extension for Skubal, leading to increased speculation about a potential trade before he becomes a free agent, which would leave Detroit with nothing more than draft pick compensation.
Timing is Everything
Some insiders speculate that the Tigers may opt to retain Skubal until the trade deadline next July, allowing them to gauge their competitiveness in the division. However, this strategy is fraught with complications. As one executive noted, “The longer they wait to trade him, the stickier it gets. Value could go down or perhaps worse, if you’re ownership. He gets off to another Cy Young start and fans start screaming even louder to sign him.”
This scenario underscores the precarious nature of the Tigers’ situation. With Skubal’s rising profile, the stakes of retaining him versus trading him could become increasingly complex as the offseason unfolds. The Yankees, looking to bolster their roster, will have to navigate these turbulent waters carefully if they hope to land one of the league’s premier pitchers.
