With reports indicating that the Detroit Tigers and star pitcher Tarik Skubal are millions apart in contract talks, trade rumors are beginning to circulate.
Although Skubal isn’t eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season, he’s widely regarded as the top starter in all of Major League Baseball and likely wants a contract extension before the end of next season. It’s not uncommon for teams to trade their ace before entering a contract year to avoid committing a large financial investment to one pitcher.
That said, the Tigers should prioritize re-signing Skubal. He’s likely on track for back-to-back AL Cy Young Awards and is currently in the prime of his career.
In a recent Bleacher Report article highlighting possible trade destinations for Tarik Skubal, the Philadelphia Phillies were listed among seven MLB teams that could pursue the Tigers’ ace.
While acquiring Skubal would be a long shot, Phillies president Dave Dombrowski has a history of bold moves—evident in his trade for Jhoan Duran at this year’s deadline. With Ranger Suárez likely leaving in free agency and Zack Wheeler confirming that 2026 will be his final season, the Phillies may be eyeing a long-term replacement in the rotation.
Any trade for Skubal would almost certainly require top prospect Andrew Painter as the centerpiece, along with additional top-tier prospects and possibly one or two current MLB players.
Reports have already linked the Phillies to previous efforts to acquire Garrett Crochet, and their inclusion among potential Skubal landing spots is largely due to both their strong farm system and front office’s aggressive approach to blockbuster trades.
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