If the Detroit Tigers are serious about building a contender for the long haul, they may soon face a painful but necessary decision: trading ace left-hander Tarik Skubal. With one year remaining on his current deal and super-agent Scott Boras looming behind the scenes, the 28-year-old southpaw is reportedly eyeing a historic payday, possibly north of $300 million. For a small-to-mid-market team like Detroit, that figure may be out of reach, even for a homegrown star entering his prime, and the Braves are shopping.
Skubal’s Price Tag Could Break Detroit’s Budget
The prospect of losing Skubal for nothing in free agency is a scenario the Tigers’ front office cannot afford to entertain. And according to reports, Detroit’s solution may come in the form of a blockbuster summer trade, one that would send shockwaves through the league. Reports boldly predict that by July 2026, the Tigers will ship Skubal to the Atlanta Braves, a franchise with a track record of aggression at the trade deadline and a glaring need at the top of their rotation.
Braves Eye Rotation Reinforcements Amid Rising Pressure
The Braves, despite stumbling in 2025, remain one of baseball’s most complete rosters. But their pitching depth, particularly with aging veterans like Chris Sale, has become a growing concern. Skubal, with his electric fastball and dominant 2025 campaign, would instantly vault Atlanta back into the championship conversation. His addition could mirror the kind of all-in push Alex Anthopoulos made in 2015, a move that transformed a contender into a juggernaut.
A Potential Trade That Alters Both Leagues
For Detroit, the decision will hinge on whether ownership is willing to stomach the financial commitment necessary to keep Skubal in the Motor City. If not, the trade market may be their best opportunity to extract maximum value for a player who could command one of the largest contracts ever awarded to a pitcher.
While this scenario remains speculative, the implications are clear: Skubal’s fate could reshape the balance of power in both leagues. If the Tigers truly are priced out, a trade is not just possible, it’s logical. And if the Braves come calling, don’t be surprised if Detroit answers.
