At the MLB trade deadline on Thursday, the Detroit Tigers focused on acquiring several relief pitchers and added back-end starters Charlie Morton and Chris Paddack to reinforce their rotation. Despite these additions, the team remains heavily dependent on Tarik Skubal, who is the clear favorite for the AL Cy Young Award due to his outstanding performance this season.

Skubal boasts an impressive 10-3 record, a 2.09 ERA, and a WHIP of just 0.84. Over 133.2 innings pitched, he has struck out 171 batters while walking only 19. With Reese Olson sidelined for the season, the Tigers lack a strong No. 2 starter behind Skubal, relying instead on Jack Flaherty (6-10, 4.51 ERA) and Casey Mize (9-4, 3.43 ERA) as their second and third options.

Assessing Tarik Skubal’s Contract Value and Market Prospects

Skubal is approaching free agency after remaining under team control for one year under arbitration, currently earning $10.5 million. His agent, Scott Boras, indicates that Skubal is unlikely to agree to an extension with Detroit, which raises concerns about the team’s ability to retain him amid interest from high-spending franchises like the Dodgers, Yankees, or Mets.

According to Spotrac, Skubal’s projected annual market value is approximately $36.8 million, suggesting a potential eight-year contract worth $295 million. However, a recent assessment shared with the Detroit Free Press forecasted a possible $400 million free-agent deal in two years under ideal circumstances, though it also noted that the typical risks facing pitchers could lower his eventual contract value.

If everything goes right, he will get $400 million in free agency in two years. More realistically, something will go wrong because he’s a pitcher, and that’ll drive his price down to the $300 million range.

—Evaluator

Detroit’s General Manager Pushes Back Against “Window” Narrative

Many fans viewed the Tigers’ recent trade deadline strategy as too cautious given the perceived limited timeframe to capitalize on Skubal’s stellar form before he potentially departs. This prompted some criticism that the front office should have been more aggressive in acquiring talent for the 2025 season.

Scott Harris, the Tigers’ general manager, rejected the idea of the organization operating within a narrow competitive window centered around Skubal’s presence. Speaking to reporters, Harris emphasized the depth of talent currently on the major league roster and in the farm system, underscoring a philosophy focused on sustained yearly competitiveness rather than a short-term push.

I think this idea of a window is an illusion,

—Scott Harris, Tigers GM

Tarik Skubal is certainly leading the way, and he has been leading the way here, but there are a lot of really talented players, both in the big leagues right now and that are coming through this really talented system. I’m not looking at this as a window. It doesn’t mean that I’m shorting the present for the future by any means, but this whole idea of a window is not really filtering into my head because it’s my job to get to the postseason every single year if I can.

—Scott Harris, Tigers GM

Strength in Prospects Bolsters Tigers’ Long-Term Outlook

Detroit’s farm system is widely regarded as one of the strongest in Major League Baseball, providing a foundation for the team’s optimistic future. The Tigers were in a competitive position entering the trade deadline, tied with an aggressive Blue Jays team for first place in the AL.

Detroit holds two of the top ten prospects according to MLB Pipeline—shortstop Kevin McGonigle and outfielder Max Clark—with shortstop Bryce Rainer ranked 34th and additional players listed in the top 100 prospects. The organization sees this talent pool as vital insurance for sustained competitiveness without sacrificing future potential through premature trades.

Harris noted the team’s improved status after deadline acquisitions and their substantial lead in the AL Central standings, emphasizing a commitment to balancing present success with long-term planning.

We have a nine-game lead in the AL Central right now, and we just got a whole lot better today,

—Scott Harris, Tigers GM

We’re going to keep winning as many games as we can and try to make good decisions to make sure that the city of Detroit can enjoy playoff baseball for as many years as possible.

—Scott Harris, Tigers GM

Future Outlook with Tarik Skubal and the Tigers’ Competitive Strategy

While Skubal’s dominance has placed him in prime position for the AL Cy Young Award, the Detroit Tigers appear committed to a multi-year strategy that leverages both their current roster and emerging talent from their farm system. The front office’s recent moves suggest a preference for steady progress rather than an all-in approach at the trade deadline, reflecting confidence in the organization’s depth and development pipeline.

As Skubal continues to pitch at an elite level, questions about his long-term fit with the Tigers linger, especially given the looming financial implications of his forthcoming free agency. Nonetheless, Detroit’s cautious yet resolute stance points toward an ongoing effort to balance ambition with prudence, aiming to compete effectively while nurturing a sustainable core.