Insider Doubts Dodgers-Tigers Tarik Skubal Trade This Year

Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci expresses skepticism about the likelihood of the Los Angeles Dodgers acquiring Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal in 2026.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Rumors have circulated around Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal regarding a possible trade during the 2026 season, drawing considerable attention from MLB fans and analysts. However, a prominent insider, Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci, warns that a trade involving Skubal, a key player for Detroit, appears unlikely at this time. Verducci emphasizes Skubal's value to the Tigers and the team's strong interest in retaining him as they aim for a playoff run.

Why it matters

Tarik Skubal is one of the top pitchers in MLB, making him a valuable asset for any team. The potential trade rumors have generated significant interest, but Verducci's skepticism suggests the Tigers are likely to hold onto Skubal as they pursue a strong postseason run in the American League Central.

The details

Verducci expressed doubts about the Dodgers-Skubal trade rumors, noting Skubal's importance to the Tigers and the team's competitiveness with him on the roster. Skubal recently won an arbitration case and is projected to earn $32 million in 2026, further highlighting his value. In the previous season, Skubal posted an impressive 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts, earning him his second consecutive American League Cy Young award.

  • Verducci's comments were made during spring training in 2026.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A key pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who recently won an arbitration case and is projected to earn $32 million in 2026. Skubal is one of the top pitchers in MLB, having won the American League Cy Young award in the previous two seasons.

Tom Verducci

A prominent sports journalist and analyst for Sports Illustrated who expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the Los Angeles Dodgers acquiring Tarik Skubal in 2026.

Detroit Tigers

The MLB team that currently employs Tarik Skubal and is expected to retain him as they aim for a strong postseason run in the American League Central.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The MLB team that has been linked to trade rumors involving Tarik Skubal, but according to Verducci, is unlikely to acquire the pitcher this year.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I've never really bought into that possibility, only because of how much he means to Detroit,”

— Tom Verducci, Sports Journalist and Analyst (Dodgers Nation)

“The Dodgers do their due diligence. We all know that. And I think Tarik Skubal likely is not going to resign with the Tigers, if he does, it's going to be a number that's beyond what anywhere the Tigers have gone, even with Miguel Cabrera.”

— Tom Verducci, Sports Journalist and Analyst (Dodgers Nation)

“So listen, they're a team that can win the American League pennant, Detroit, and that means with Tarik Skubal,”

— Tom Verducci, Sports Journalist and Analyst (Dodgers Nation)

“So you ride it out, you play it out, you see if you can resign him. But it's hard for me to envision any kind of world where, in the American League Central, the Tigers are out of playoff contention at the trade deadline.”

— Tom Verducci, Sports Journalist and Analyst (Dodgers Nation)

What’s next

The status of Tarik Skubal's role with the Detroit Tigers remains a significant topic throughout the MLB offseason and into the season itself. While trade speculation persists, insiders like Verducci suggest the Tigers will likely hold onto their star pitcher as they pursue a strong postseason run. Fans and analysts alike will continue monitoring any updates closely as the season progresses.

The takeaway

This story highlights the value of Tarik Skubal to the Detroit Tigers and the team's commitment to retaining him as they aim for a playoff berth in the American League Central. Despite trade rumors, the Tigers appear unlikely to part with their star pitcher unless their postseason hopes significantly decline closer to the trade deadline.