Tarik Skubal made it clear Thursday he wants to ride out the season with the Detroit Tigers, but he also admitted that today’s start might be his last in a Tigers uniform with the non‑waiver trade deadline closing in. The 29‑year‑old left‑hander, a back‑to‑back American League Cy Young Award winner, is one of the most coveted arms on the market, and rival front offices will be locked in on his next outing. Fans at Comerica Park may be watching what turns out to be a goodbye performance, depending on how aggressively contenders come calling and how the Tigers choose to shape the rest of their summer.
Skubal's message to the clubhouse
Speaking with reporters, Skubal said his “preference is to finish the season with the Detroit Tigers and compete for a championship,” while also acknowledging that “his next start could be his last with the Tigers.” As reported by the Chicago Tribune, he framed the whole thing as a front‑office decision that is out of his hands and stressed that he plans to keep doing his job until the club tells him otherwise.
Deadline and stakes
Detroit has until Aug. 3 to decide whether to trade Skubal or keep him for a late‑season push, and that ticking clock is driving much of the chatter around the club. MLB.com notes that his limited remaining team control, paired with his elite track record, makes him the headline prize of this year’s market. How the Tigers play over the next couple of weeks could determine whether the front office leans into selling for the future or doubling down on a run now.
Health and numbers
Skubal underwent surgery on May 6 to remove a loose body from his left elbow and made it back into the rotation sooner than many expected, according to local coverage. Advanced metrics compiled on BaseballSavant show him at 6‑5 with a 2.83 ERA and 98 strikeouts over 82.2 innings this season, production that explains why so many teams are hovering.
What the clubhouse is saying
Inside the room, Skubal has been pushing for reinforcements, not a teardown. He told local outlets he is hoping “the decision‑makers see that we’re a very good team and it’s not sell at the deadline — it’s add,” as recounted by the Detroit Free Press. Manager A.J. Hinch has not downplayed the leaguewide fascination with his ace either, saying there is “a lot of intrigue” because Skubal is “really good,” a point highlighted by the Chicago Tribune.
Friday's start and what to watch
Skubal is lined up to take the ball today when the Royals visit Comerica Park, and that start is expected to be dissected pitch by pitch as teams fine‑tune their trade offers. Clubs will be zeroed in on his velocity, command and workload as they assess just how much they are willing to give up. Projected lineups and probable‑starter listings have Skubal set for the series opener, according to FantasyPros, turning the outing into both an audition for other contenders and a crucial data point for the Tigers ahead of their Aug. 3 call.
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