MLB Expert Explains Why Trading Ace is a Terrible Idea
There are more reasons why trading Tarik Skubal makes no sense for the Detroit Tigers than reasons why it does.
The Detroit Tigers face one of the toughest decisions in baseball this coming week. Trading Tarik Skubal would mean parting with the best player available at the deadline, potentially securing a generational return package.
While prospects are always appealing, trading Skubal carries the risk that none of the players acquired will match even half of his current value. This is why teams are willing to trade almost any prospect to acquire him.
The only reason the Tigers should consider trading Skubal is if they doubt their ability to re-sign him when he becomes a free agent in 2027. Represented by Scott Boras, it’s almost certain he’ll seek the highest offer.
If Detroit offers $300 million and the Colorado Rockies counter with $310 million, he will likely choose the Rockies, following Boras’ historical trends.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic explained why trading Skubal is imprudent but did note the possibility of him signing an extension before 2027.
“Skubal is represented by Scott Boras, making a contract extension unlikely. Regardless, the Tigers compete in the improving but still relatively weak AL Central.
With Skubal, they have a shot at returning to the postseason before he hits free agency. Without him, they risk staying stuck in the same cycle they’ve been in for nearly a decade.
There have been times when the Tigers invested heavily in their players, once boasting a top-five payroll in baseball. However, they’ve been reluctant to hand out many contracts in recent years, raising concerns about their willingness to pay the left-hander when the time comes.”
If Detroit isn’t willing to pay a clear ace who just started an All-Star Game and boasts a 2.34 ERA with 146 strikeouts in 123 innings, they probably won’t pay anyone.
This decision is challenging for many reasons, but it’s hard to argue that trading him is the right move. The Tigers aren’t as far from contention as it might appear, and Skubal is crucial to that potential success.
Adding some players to complement Skubal and their young talent in the offseason could position them as the best team in the AL Central. That should be their goal.
