Tigers overwhelmingly predicted by MLB execs to make lackluster Tarik Skubal decision

Tigers overwhelmingly predicted by MLB execs to make lackluster Tarik Skubal decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

What the Detroit Tigers end up doing with Tarik Skubal is one of the hottest storylines of the MLB offseason. While a trade might not be likely, it's at least a possibility, igniting speculation he could be on the move.

But the chances of a trade aren't the best, especially since teams might not be willing to pay the very high price tag the Tigers have set for their two-time Cy Young ace.

According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, the overwhelming majority of the executives surveyed for their predictions on Skubal's offseason are a lackluster, but most likely outcome for Detroit and Skubal this winter.

Tigers predicted by MLB execs to hold onto Tarik Skubal

Rogers asked 13 MLB executives to predict whether the Tigers let it play out with Skubal, trade him, or extend him before he hits free agency. Rogers shared, "Survey says: Let it play out 10, trade him 3, sign/extend him 0."

Of the 13 MLB executives polled for this question, 10 believe that Skubal will play out his final year with the Tigers rather than the ace getting traded or extended.

While this is the most likely outcome, as it's the least inflammatory for the Tigers to do it, it's still a lackluster outcome for a player surrounded by such offseason speculation.

Teams like the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and plenty of other top contenders would love to find a way to trade for Skubal, even if it's just for the 2026 season.

More: How Tigers' GM Scott Harris might've revealed his concerning Tarik Skubal plan

But Detroit won't budge unless it's an offer that's too hard to refuse. Those offers aren't likely to come across the desk of Scott Harris and the rest of the front office, so Skubal's most likely outcome is to stay in Detroit through the 2026 season.

Letting it play out also leaves the door open for a last-minute trade deadline deal if Detroit is in a bad spot record-wise by the MLB deadline. If the Tigers were on the outside looking in for a postseason spot, they could still wind up trading him.

But, if they keep Skubal and add to the rest of the roster, which is likely the plan, then Detroit entering the trade deadline in selling mode isn't likely.

While not the most exciting outcome, the Tigers holding onto Skubal for the rest of the year is the most likely scenario with Skubal. 10 of 13 MLB execs believe the same, painting a clear picture that those around MLB believe Skubal will stay in Detroit.

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