As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Detroit Tigers confront a complex challenge regarding Tarik Skubal, their leading pitcher, amid growing interest from playoff-contending teams. The question is not whether Detroit would consider trading Skubal, but whether any team is willing to meet the extremely high price the Tigers are expected to demand. This Tarik Skubal trade value debate has captured attention, as Detroit aims to maximize return on a player with significant potential.
Comparing Tarik Skubal’s Value to Juan Soto’s Blockbuster Trade
On the Detroit Free Press’s Days of Roar podcast, former MLB general manager and analyst Jim Duquette drew a striking comparison. He suggested that any team pursuing Skubal might need to offer a trade package on par with the monumental deal that sent superstar Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals to the San Diego Padres. That deal involved six notable players: C.J. Abrams, Mackenzie Gore, James Wood, Robert Hassell III, Jarlin Susana, and Luke Voit.
Podcast host Evan Petzold highlighted the magnitude of such a return and questioned the possibility of a similar outcome for the Tigers.
Do you think a Juan Soto type trade could be in store for the Tigers with Tarik Skubal in this upcoming offseason?
Petzold asked.
Could the Tigers get back that type of package?
I know Juan Soto is an everyday player, and I know we just got, you know, $765 million in the free agent market, but Tarik Skubal could very well be the first $400 million pitcher on the free agent market… Would that move the needle this offseason?
Reasons Why Teams May Hesitate to Meet Detroit’s Demands
While the comparison to Soto’s trade sets a high bar, Duquette pointed out the complexity in equating the two players due to differences in contract length and playing roles.
Remember with Soto, he had — I think he had a year and a half or two and a half years of control when San Diego traded for all that talent, right? So, two years. That plays into that. It’s not quite equal, for sure, but it would have to be that level, maybe it’s one less impactful guy, which would be an amazing haul for Skubal if they did that.
Duquette emphasized the magnitude such a trade could have on Detroit’s franchise.
If I’m the Tigers, you’re going to get criticized locally, but you have to look at that and go, ‘Wow, that would be organization-changing.’ That would extend the window for your success beyond.
He also expressed confidence that Detroit could pursue replacements through free agency, even if no single player matches Skubal’s quality.
I feel like they could go on the free agent market and get somebody, maybe not quite Skubal, but somebody would have to step up internally to replace him in the rotation, which is never easy to do. But we’ve seen other teams do that.
Nevertheless, Duquette underscored the risks that come with investing in starting pitchers compared to everyday position players.
The risk is the pitchers are obviously risky because of injury and all that… Are you going to go all in? …it could come back and backfire on you.
Trade Deadline Prospects and Detroit’s Strategic Position
Despite Duquette’s advice that the Tigers should keep an open mind about trading Skubal, he expressed skepticism that any team would match the high return Detroit envisions.
I think it’s a tough one. Detroit has to be open-minded to it, but in the end, I don’t think that they would get that level of a take in return. It would be really good, but I don’t think it’d be Juan Soto-like.
Since Skubal is entering his final year of team control before free agency, the Tigers face a pivotal decision: hold onto him and attempt a long-term contract extension, or trade him while value remains high and search the free agent market for suitable pitching staff replacements. The course they choose will depend heavily on their internal pitching development and strategic priorities moving forward.
The interest in Skubal appears earnest, with reports from insider Jim Bowden indicating multiple teams have already made inquiries. This suggests Detroit will assess any offers carefully, balancing immediate returns against their long-term roster building objectives. While no concrete offers have been made public, the Tigers are likely positioning themselves to maximize value in line with their organizational goals.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What nationality is Tarik Skubal from?
A. Tarik Daniel Skubal, born on November 20, 1996, is a baseball pitcher playing for the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball (MLB).