4 Teams Expected to be in Bidding War For Tarik Skubal
Despite having lofty expectations entering the 2026 MLB season, the Detroit Tigers came into play on Sunday with a 20-32 record and in dead last in the American League Central.
As a result, it appears likely that the Tigers will be trading back-to-back AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, who is a free agent after the season, at the August 3 trade deadline.
Earlier today, MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports reported that rival executives believe the bidding war for Skubal will come down to four teams: the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays.
Skubal is making $32 million this season. It will also cost a number of prized prospects in order to acquire him.
Skubal is currently on the injured list after undergoing surgery on May 6 to remove loose bodies from his throwing elbow. However, the left-hander is making a speedy recovery and is already throwing bullpen sessions. And although he will require a rehab start or simulated game before returning to the Tigers' rotation, Skubal is expected to be back by early or mid-June.
The 29-year-old is expected to receive the largest free agent contract for a starting pitcher in MLB history this winter.
In the meantime, any contending team that trades for him this summer will automatically increase their World Series odds by a wide margin.
The Dodgers, Blue Jays and Padres all make sense as landing spots for Skubal given their need for starting pitching due to injuries suffered in that area.
The Yankees, however, are looking pretty strong in the starting pitching department despite losing Max Fried (bone bruise in his left elbow) to the IL recently. Gerrit Cole (six shutout innings on Friday night in his season-debut) and Carlos Rodon are now both back from the shelf, so New York's fit for Skubal is questionable. The Yankees have larger needs in the bullpen and on offense.
The Tampa Bay Rays, who have the best record in the American League at 34-15, could also be a dark horse team to trade for Skubal.
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 3:32 PM.