Overview
- Bob Nightengale reported Sunday that rival executives expect the Tarik Skubal bidding to come down to the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres.
- The report says Detroit’s poor start to 2026 increases pressure on the Tigers to trade Skubal before the Aug. 3 deadline to recoup high‑value prospects.
- Skubal recently had a needle arthroscopy to remove a single loose elbow body, has been throwing bullpen sessions and is on a timetable to return sometime before midseason or the All‑Star break.
- Contenders view Skubal as a high‑cost prize who can arrive as a short‑term rental or re‑sign long term, with teams preparing offers that would include top‑100 prospects as centerpiece pieces.
- Skubal is a two‑time AL Cy Young winner in the final year of a roughly $32 million contract, a status that makes Detroit’s decision pivotal for the club’s rebuild and for the balance of power in this year’s playoff race.