Tigers Announce Tarik Skubal News as Trade Decision Nears

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Nov 3, 2025 7:55 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers finished one win short of reaching the ALCS for the second straight year. After back-to-back trips to the postseason, Detroit will enter the offseason looking to retool the roster and finally get over the hump.

That effort may involve difficult decisions, especially regarding whether or not to trade left-handed ace Tarik Skubal. According to a report from Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Skubal remains the top trade target for contending teams this winter.

“Therefore, even though the Tigers are in position to compete for the postseason next year, it’s likely they shop Skubal at the Winter Meetings and try to make the best trade they can with so many big market teams with deep farm systems obviously wanting him, such as the Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox, Yankees and Giants,” Bowden reported in October.

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29)© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Tigers have made it clear they value Skubal, but his place in their long-term plans remains uncertain as negotiations over a potential contract extension have stalled.

On Monday, Skubal was named a finalist for the 2025 American League Cy Young Award by Baseball Writers’ Association of America, a fitting recognition for one of the most dominant seasons by any pitcher in baseball.

The Tigers celebrated the exciting announcement on X. “Best pitcher on the planet is an AL Cy Young Award finalist! ,” the team posted.

Best pitcher on the planet is an AL Cy Young Award finalist! pic.twitter.com/D4XM7RQBlH
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) November 4, 2025

Skubal led the American League with a 2.21 ERA and all of MLB with a 0.891 WHIP, striking out 241 batters over 195 1/3 innings while anchoring Detroit’s rotation from start to finish. If he wins the AL Cy Young Award, it would be his second straight after winning unanimously in 2024.

Skubal's trophy case is already beginning to look full after just six seasons with the Tigers. It already includes two All-Star selections, two ERA titles and a pitching Triple Crown in 2024. He rose to the occasion in October this year despite Detroit's early postseason exit, posting a 1.74 ERA and striking out 36 batters over 20 2/3 innings across three postseason starts, somehow improving on a season where he operated as the best pitcher in MLB.

Skubal has spent his entire big-league career with Detroit since being selected in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB Draft. Whether he remains with the Tigers or is moved in a blockbuster deal, his impact on the franchise is undeniable.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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