MLB trade rumors: Tarik Skubal to the Cubs talk grows louder as Tigers season keeps slipping away

The future of Tarik Skubal with the Detroit Tigers is once again becoming a huge talking point around Major League Baseball. While Detroit entered the 2026 season hoping to compete, things have not gone as planned.

The Tigers are sitting at the bottom of the AL Central and are falling behind in the Wild Card race. Because of that, trade rumors around Skubal are getting louder before the MLB trade deadline. However, insider Ken Rosenthal recently said on Foul Territory that Freddy Peralta of the New York Mets is currently more likely to be traded than Skubal.

Potential trade packages for Tarik Skubal

If Detroit finally decides to move Skubal, the asking price will likely be massive.

The Tigers would probably want multiple top prospects, young MLB-ready players, and draft capital in return for one of baseball’s top pitchers.According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Chicago Cubs could become a serious landing spot if Skubal becomes available. Chicago has young talent and enough prospect depth to build a strong package. Since Skubal is still viewed as an ace-level pitcher, Detroit would not trade him cheaply even with his injury concerns.

Which teams are interested in Tarik Skubal?

The Cubs are one of the main teams being linked to Skubal right now because they need another frontline starter. A healthy Skubal could instantly strengthen their rotation for a playoff push.Other contenders could also monitor the situation closely if Detroit continues losing games before the deadline. Teams fighting for postseason spots are always looking for elite pitching, especially someone with Skubal’s strikeout ability and strong ERA numbers.Before getting injured, Skubal posted a 3-2 record with a 2.70 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in seven starts this season.

What insiders are saying about the MLB trade rumors

Ken Rosenthal recently explained on Foul Territory why Detroit may still hesitate to move their star pitcher.“The Tigers have a club record payroll. They invested a lot in this season. They’re not going to want to punt so easily,” Rosenthal said.Meanwhile, Jon Heyman reported that the chances of Skubal being traded are “rising” as Detroit continues struggling.

Heyman also added that the Tigers’ chances of signing him to a long-term extension are “nil.”Those comments increased speculation because Skubal is approaching free agency after this season unless a new deal is reached.

Contract details and salary implications

Skubal and the Tigers spent most of the offseason in contract talks before agreeing to a $32 million arbitration salary for 2026. That became the largest arbitration salary ever for a player in MLB history.Still, the agreement only gave Detroit one guaranteed season with him. Since he could leave in free agency after the year, the Tigers may eventually decide it is smarter to trade him now instead of risking losing him for nothing later.

Latest update on Tarik Skubal trade rumors

Right now, Detroit still has time to turn its season around, so no trade appears close. But the situation has become more complicated because Skubal is currently on the 15-day injured list after surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow.Skubal recently said he is still “day to day” and wants “to be back as fast as I can.”If the Tigers continue falling in the standings, these trade rumors will only grow stronger over the next few months.

FAQs

Is Tarik Skubal getting traded?No trade is confirmed yet, but MLB insiders say the possibility is increasing.Which team is linked most strongly with Tarik Skubal?The Chicago Cubs are currently viewed as a possible landing spot.Why would the Tigers trade Tarik Skubal?Detroit may trade him because he is nearing free agency and extension talks reportedly are not progressing.What is Tarik Skubal’s current contract?Skubal is earning $32 million for the 2026 season after winning his arbitration case.When is the MLB trade deadline?The 2026 MLB trade deadline is expected to take place near the end of July.