How the Tigers could boost the trade market for ace Tarik Skubal

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal might be headed toward becoming the top prize of the 2026 MLB trade deadline, and there is one move his team could make to maximize the return in a potential deal.

The Tigers entered Monday with a record of 21-33 and are quickly fading from contention in the AL Central. Skubal, who is in the final year of his contract, has been frequently mentioned as a premier trade chip. The left-hander is currently recovering from elbow surgery he underwent earlier in May and is expected to return at some point in June.

Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, is expected to command upwards of $400M with his next contract. That is why the Tigers might prefer to get something in return for the 29-year-old rather than risk losing him in free agency.

Tarik Skubal sweepstakes could heat up even more

Skubal is the type of ace-caliber starting pitcher that championship contenders covet. There have already been several teams linked to him ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, which is hardly a surprise. While any elbow surgery is a concern for a pitcher, Skubal seems to be ahead of schedule in his recovery and may wind up only missing a month.

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Tigers might be willing to eat Skubal's entire 2026 salary -- an arbitration-record $32M) -- in order to further boost his trade value.