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Why 'bad' AL Central is disaster for Tarik Skubal MLB trade deadline suitors
TL;DR
Tarik Skubal's trade rumors have quieted as the Detroit Tigers remain competitive in the weak AL Central division. With the Tigers in contention, potential trade suitors face challenges ahead of the MLB deadline.
Key points
- Tarik Skubal's trade rumors have quieted
- Detroit Tigers remain competitive in AL Central
- AL Central teams are performing poorly
- Skubal is a free agent at the end of the season
- Tigers are in contention for a Wild Card spot
Detroit TigersTarik SkubalAL Central
Why 'bad' AL Central is disaster for Tarik Skubal MLB trade deadline suitors originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Long-standing rumors about the Detroit Tigers trading Tarik Skubal have seemingly quieted.
But there will be murmurs if the Tigers fall out of contention in the AL Central. Right now, that doesn't seem likely. For now, the back-to-back Cy Young Award winner, who becomes a free agent at the end of the season, is staying put.
"The good news for interested Skubal suitors is that the Tigers are treading water so far this season. The bad news is just how bad the AL Central is," FanSided's Mark Powell wrote Sunday. "The Guardians lead the division at just a few games over .500. Detroit is well within striking distance in the American League Wild Card race, as well. That's what makes these conversations so difficult."
The last-place Minnesota Twins and first-place are separated by just three games in the division. The Tigers and Guardians each own an 18-17 record.
Q&A
Why are Tarik Skubal's trade rumors quieting down?
Tarik Skubal's trade rumors have quieted because the Detroit Tigers are still competitive in the AL Central and are currently in contention for a Wild Card spot.
How does the AL Central's performance affect Tarik Skubal's trade value?
The poor performance of the AL Central teams complicates trade discussions for Tarik Skubal, as the Tigers are not falling out of contention despite the division's weakness.
When does Tarik Skubal become a free agent?
Tarik Skubal becomes a free agent at the end of the current MLB season.
