The Detroit Tigers may have provided the clearest indication yet regarding trade deadline speculation surrounding pitcher Tarik Skubal. On Wednesday, Skubal made what is believed to be his final start before Major League Baseball's Monday trade deadline.
The Tigers posted a picture of an emotional Skubal on X, formerly Twitter, with only a goat emoji as the caption. This cryptic message has fueled speculation that the team is preparing to part ways with their ace.
Skubal received a standing ovation from the home crowd at Comerica Park, with many fans wondering if it was their last opportunity to see him pitch for Detroit. Several teams, including the Dodgers, Brewers, and Braves, have been linked to Skubal. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers are considered to possess the necessary trade assets for a blockbuster deal, offering controllable starting pitching and top prospects that other teams cannot match.
The Dodgers' interest in Skubal is reportedly influenced by the uncertainty surrounding Shohei Ohtani's availability to pitch. Ohtani has been dealing with biceps and knee injuries, which have impacted his pitching. Despite remaining in the lineup, Ohtani has not started since July 3, and his biceps issue was recently disclosed. He has expressed caution about pushing his body too hard, stating, "There too, it’s a judgment of to what degree I can push it. It’s still July. What judgment will be made in August and September can be decided then."
Waiting to determine Ohtani's pitching status until later in the season is seen as a significant gamble for the Dodgers, especially as they pursue a third consecutive World Series title. This uncertainty may be prompting the Dodgers to actively explore acquiring Skubal.
While the Tigers have not officially confirmed Skubal is on the trade block, the prevailing sentiment is that his tenure with the team is nearing its end. The team's social media post, combined with a recent 10-9 extra-innings loss where the bullpen faltered after Skubal's departure, has further intensified these beliefs. The loss also left the Tigers four games out of the American League wild-card race.