Tigers' Tarik Skubal Sends Message After Trade Report

As Skubal enters the offseason, he has been training in Arizona to keep his body in peak condition ahead of the 2026 season.

On Saturday, however, he returned to Comerica Park, a familiar setting where he has spent his entire six-year career with the Tigers and developed into a superstar.

Skubal took a moment to reflect, posting "Miss you ," with the home emoji subtly signaling where he hopes his future lies.

His stop at Comerica proved brief, as later that day he appeared at Michigan State University’s basketball game against Oakland. There, he received an ovation from MSU fans and joined in the festivities by firing shirts into the crowd, energizing the arena.

Tarik Skubal's Future in Detroit Remains Uncertain

While the connection to Detroit is clear, the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation has fueled debate about where he will pitch beyond 2026. A recent report from Jorge Castillo of ESPN said he expects Skubal to be traded when asked about the most interesting thing from the winter meetings last week.

“That a Tarik Skubal trade is likely. Here's what we know: Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris can shut down speculation by simply saying he is not trading Skubal and he has not done that. Instead, he noted this week that there aren't any ‘untouchables’ on his roster. Trading the best pitcher in baseball when you're trying to compete would upset the fan base, but the Tigers, knowing re-signing Skubal next winter is unlikely, appear open to it,” Castillo reported.

From a front office perspective, moving Skubal before his contract expires could be seen as a strategic decision. A long-term extension for a pitcher of his caliber would likely exceed $300 million, a figure that would shatter franchise records and reshape Detroit’s payroll structure for years to come.

If the Tigers are unwilling to make that level of commitment, trading him while his value is at its peak ensures they avoid losing him for nothing in free agency. Such a move could bring back a haul of prospects or established talent to accelerate their roster build, giving the organization flexibility rather than locking into a massive deal that carries inherent risk with pitching longevity.