3 MLB teams who should try to trade for Tarik Skubal this summer

From the start, I know that people aren’t going to be happy with me. I’m used to it, though, and I’m just going to steer right into the curve. If Tarik Skubal is traded in the next few months, there are only a few MLB teams that will likely be in the conversation to trade for the ace. And let’s be honest, the Los Angeles Dodgers are going to be at the top of the list.

MORE: MLB power rankings: 30 teams ranked worst to first on May 7th, 2026

Now that I’ve got your attention, let’s take a step back and dig into this. Skubal is a free agent at the end of the season, and we know there’s a clear divide between his asking price and what the Detroit Tigers are willing to pay. There’s also a fragile nature to pitchers, and the Tigers don’t appear to have the budget to make such a sizable investment.

2. Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers)

Skubal To Injured List

Seeing Skubal hit the Injured List and head in for elbow surgery was less than ideal. The good news now, is that the damage (and the surgery) didn’t appear to be as serious as first expected. That means Skubal should be back anywhere between one and two months. To be clear, though, that’s the best-case scenario.

Despite being 18-20, the Tigers are just 1.5 games out of first place. Their rotation isn’t in the best of health with Casey Mize sidelined and Reese Olson out for the year, but they benefit from playing in the AL Central. There’s also no guarantee on Skubal’s return time frame and his success when he does come back. They are lucky that the injury wasn’t worse, so why not take this last chance to capitalize on his value?