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Tarik Skubal Puts WBC Questions Behind Him Ahead of Opening Day as Walk Year Begins

Trade speculation persists around the Tigers ace entering his contract year.

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 18: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers looks on from the dugout prior to the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park on September 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. The Guardians defeated the Tigers 3-1. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Mar 14, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Skubal said after his final spring outing that the WBC is over for him and he is ready to lead Detroit on Opening Day.
  • The back-to-back AL Cy Young winner remains with the Tigers entering his walk year after winning a $32 million arbitration case.
  • MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince issued a bold prediction that the Mets will trade for Skubal by July, potentially in a package featuring prospect Jonah Tong.
  • Other analyses have pointed to the Blue Jays as a plausible destination if Detroit decides to move the ace.
  • Team sentiment reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney is that Skubal will stay locked in, and Detroit bolstered its rotation in the offseason with Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander.